Karthik

Karthik is a masculine given name of Indian origin, widely used among Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam speaking communities and in the Indian diaspora. The name is derived from Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, the Hindu god of war and the son of Shiva and Parvati. Because of this association, Karthik is often linked with qualities such as courage, leadership, and vitality. The name is also connected to the Hindu month Kartika (Kartik), which has contributed to its cultural resonance in several regions.

Spelling variations arise from transliteration and regional pronunciation, including Karthik, Kartik, and Karthick. In everyday use it is typically a male given name; in some contexts it may appear as part of a compound name or as a standalone form.

Notable people with the name include Karthik Subbaraj, an Indian film director known for works in Tamil cinema, and Karthik, a Tamil actor. The name is common among Tamil-speaking populations in India and abroad, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and the global Indian diaspora.