kumar

Kumar is a common name used as both a given name and a surname in the Indian subcontinent. It derives from Sanskrit Kumāra, meaning “prince” or “son,” and is often associated with youth and offspring. In Hindu tradition, Kumāra is an epithet of Skanda (Kartikeya), the god of youth and war.

Usage and regional forms. As a given name, Kumar is widely used for boys across many Indian languages. As a surname, it appears in several communities in India and among the Indian diaspora. Variants and related names include Kumār, Kumara, Kumaran, and Kumer.

Geographic and demographic context. The name is most common in India and Nepal, with substantial presence in Sri Lanka and among South Asian communities worldwide, including Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Notable and cultural notes. Because of its long-standing usage, many public figures bear the name across fields such as cinema, politics, and science. The name’s widespread adoption reflects naming practices that blend Sanskrit origins with regional linguistic variations.