Holding steady.
Popularity of Karna since 1930
Babies named Karna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 25 |
| 1940s | 60 |
| 1950s | 116 |
| 1960s | 141 |
| 1970s | 166 |
| 1980s | 15 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Karna is a name of Sanskrit origin that carries deep cultural and literary resonance, primarily through its association with the legendary hero of the Mahabharata. Despite its rich background, the name has remained extremely rare in U.S. naming records, with first recorded use in 1930 and a peak in 1970. Its trajectory is stable, indicating consistent but minimal usage. The name's one-in-N rate is unavailable due to its low frequency, and no top states have recorded significant use. For families drawn to names with epic narratives and South Asian heritage, Karna offers a distinctive choice that connects to ancient traditions.
Karna is a name of Sanskrit origin, most famously borne by the tragic hero of the Indian epic Mahabharata. The name is sometimes interpreted as 'ear' in Sanskrit, but its primary association is with the mythological figure Karna, the son of Kunti and the sun god Surya. The name has been used in India for centuries, particularly in Hindu families, though it remains relatively rare in modern naming practices.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kar, Karni
Variants: Karn
Sibling names for Karna
Names that share Karna's style, for a brother or sister.
