Karanth

Karanth is a surname commonly found among Kannada-speaking communities in the Indian state of Karnataka. The name is used by families across the region and is sometimes transliterated as Karantha. Surnames in this linguistic area often reflect historical village, clan, or caste associations, though exact origins can vary between families.

Notable bearers of the name include Shivaram Karanth (Shivarama Karanth), a prominent Kannada writer whose novels, plays, and essays helped shape modern Kannada literature; he was a recipient of the Jnanpith Award. Another well-known figure is Ullas Karanth, an Indian conservation biologist recognized for his research on tiger ecology and large carnivore conservation in India.

Beyond these individuals, the surname appears among Kannada-speaking communities in Karnataka and in the Indian diaspora, illustrating the cultural and geographic spread of Kannada heritage. The name Karanth thus reflects a Kannada-language heritage with notable contributions in literature and wildlife conservation.