Meaning, origin, history
Karna is an Indian male given name of Sanskrit origin. It means "ear" in Sanskrit, which refers to the belief that the god of the sun, Surya, heard the cries of his son Karna and gave him his divine ear-rings as a blessing.
According to Hindu mythology, Karna was the firstborn son of the Sun God Surya and his wife Chhaya. However, he was abandoned by his mother soon after his birth due to social stigma attached to being born out of wedlock. He was later found and raised by a charioteer named Adhiratha and his wife Radha.
Karna grew up to be a skilled warrior and archer, but was refused entry into the royal court due to his humble beginnings. Despite this, he became a friend and ally of the Pandavas, one of the five heroic brothers in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Karna fought on the side of the Kauravas against the Pandavas in the great war of Kurukshetra, but was ultimately killed by Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers.
The name Karna is also associated with the Hindu festival of Karva Chauth, a fasting ritual observed by married women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The story behind this festival involves Karna's wife Vasuki and her devotion to him.
Overall, Karna is a powerful and significant name in Indian culture and mythology, embodying themes of perseverance, courage, and loyalty despite adversity.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Karna since 1880
Total births
523
Total since 1880
Peak year
1970
30 births
in 1985
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years