Karan is a name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "karana," which means "cause" or "creation." It is also associated with the Hindu god Karna, a heroic figure from the epic Mahabharata who was known for his strength and courage.
The name Karan has been popular among Indians for centuries, but it gained international recognition in recent years due to its use by several celebrities. For instance, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan named his son Aryan Khan, which includes the element "Karan" within it. Additionally, American rapper Wiz Khalifa named his son Sebastian Taylor Thomaz, with the middle name Karan.
In terms of history, the name Karan has been carried by several notable figures throughout Indian history and beyond. One such figure is Karna, the legendary hero from the Mahabharata epic who was born to the sun god Surya and the river goddess Ganga. Despite his divine lineage, Karna was abandoned at birth and raised by a charioteer, which led him to become a skilled archer and warrior.
Today, Karan remains a popular name among Indians and those of Indian descent living abroad. It is often given to boys in hopes that they will grow up to be strong, brave, and heroic like the legendary figure Karna. Despite its ancient origins, the name Karan continues to resonate with parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children.
The name Karan saw significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a peak in the mid-1950s and a substantial decline from the late 1960s onwards. The highest number of births recorded was 170 in 1956, while the lowest was 5 in 1986 and again in 1997. Overall, there were 3450 births with the name Karan between 1936 and 2004.