Find out how popular the first name Karan has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Karan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Karan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 83% of people named Karan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Karan.

The history of the first name Karan

The name Karan has its roots in the Sanskrit language, originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "karan," which means "cause" or "reason." The name has been in use for centuries, with records of its existence dating back to ancient Hindu texts and scriptures.

One of the earliest references to the name Karan can be found in the epic Hindu poem, the Mahabharata. In this ancient text, Karan is the name of one of the central characters, a mighty warrior and the son of the charioteer Adhiratha and the celestial nymph Kunti. The story of Karan is a tragic one, as he is unaware of his royal lineage and faces many challenges and hardships throughout his life.

In Hindu mythology, Karan is also associated with the deity Kartikeya, the god of war and the son of the god Shiva and the goddess Parvati. This association has contributed to the name's popularity among Hindu communities.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Karan. One of the earliest recorded examples is Karan, a Jain monk who lived in the 8th century CE. He is credited with writing several important Jain texts and is considered a significant figure in the Jain tradition.

Another prominent Karan was Karan Singh, an Indian diplomat and politician who served as the Maharaja of Kashmir from 1925 to 1952. He was born in 1919 and played a crucial role in the integration of Kashmir into the Indian Union.

In the realm of literature, Karan Nagarkar was a renowned Indian novelist and playwright who lived from 1942 to 2019. His works, including the acclaimed novel "Cuckold," explored the complexities of Indian society and culture.

Karan Johar, born in 1972, is a celebrated Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his contributions to the Hindi film industry, often referred to as Bollywood.

Karan Brar, born in 1999, is an American actor of Indian descent, best known for his role as Ravi Ross in the Disney Channel series "Jessie" and its spinoff "Bunk'd."

The name Karan has maintained its popularity across various regions and cultures, particularly in India and among the Indian diaspora around the world. Its rich historical and cultural significance has contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Karan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Karan, please contact us.

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