The name Karma carries a powerful weight, imbued with spiritual significance and a sense of destiny. But how popular is the name Karma, and what does it truly mean? Let’s delve into the history, popularity, and related names to understand the allure of this distinctive moniker.
(Image of the name Karma)
Karma Name Popularity
How popular is the name Karma? Here’s a comprehensive look at its historical usage and recent trends.
The data reveals an interesting trajectory for the name Karma. Initially, its use was sporadic. Examining data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the name "Karma" first appeared in the records in 1919, ranking at 1,644 with only 5 births recorded. For many years it was not used or rarely used until the 1970s.
Here’s a summarized view of its popularity over the years:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1918 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1919 | 1,644 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1920-1921 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1922 | 1,255 | 12 | 0.0011% |
| 1923-1924 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1925 | 1,341 | 10 | 0.0009% |
| 1926 | 1,631 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1927 | 1,717 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1928 | 1,151 | 16 | 0.0015% |
| 1929 | 1,399 | 7 | 0.0007% |
| 1930 | 1,452 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1931 | 1,446 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1932 | 1,237 | 10 | 0.001% |
| 1933 | 1,168 | 11 | 0.0012% |
| 1934 | 1,056 | 15 | 0.0016% |
| 1935 | 1,281 | 8 | 0.0008% |
| 1936 | 1,232 | 9 | 0.0009% |
| 1937 | 1,356 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1938 | 1,246 | 9 | 0.0009% |
| 1939 | 1,399 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1940 | 1,196 | 11 | 0.001% |
| 1941 | 1,538 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1942 | 1,366 | 10 | 0.0008% |
| 1943 | 1,403 | 9 | 0.0007% |
| 1944 | 1,596 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1945 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1946 | 1,778 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1947 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1948 | 1,449 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 1949 | 1,525 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1950 | 1,459 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1951 | 1,709 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1952 | 1,565 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1953 | 1,537 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 1954 | 1,705 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1955-1956 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1957 | 1,731 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1958 | 1,752 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1959 | 2,279 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1960-1961 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1961 | 2,320 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1962 | 1,788 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 1963-1964 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1965 | 1,764 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1966 | 1,969 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1967-1968 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1968 | 2,266 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1969 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1970 | 1,650 | 21 | 0.0013% |
| 1971 | 1,401 | 33 | 0.0022% |
| 1972 | 1,869 | 13 | 0.001% |
| 1973 | 1,393 | 30 | 0.0023% |
| 1974 | 1,469 | 28 | 0.0022% |
| 1975 | 2,415 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1976 | 2,282 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1977 | 2,387 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1978-1979 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1979 | 2,580 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1980-1997 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | 3,401 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1999 | 3,086 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2000 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2,537 | 17 | 0.0011% |
| 2002 | 2,820 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 2003 | 2,645 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 2004 | 1,871 | 45 | 0.003% |
| 2005 | 858 | 245 | 0.016% |
| 2006 | 826 | 276 | 0.0176% |
| 2007 | 845 | 280 | 0.0177% |
| 2008 | 811 | 296 | 0.0192% |
| 2009 | 730 | 341 | 0.0228% |
| 2010 | 856 | 254 | 0.0176% |
| 2011 | 969 | 206 | 0.0145% |
| 2012 | 846 | 252 | 0.0177% |
| 2013 | 930 | 208 | 0.0146% |
| 2014 | 946 | 213 | 0.0146% |
| 2015 | 1,061 | 168 | 0.0115% |
| 2016 | 1,118 | 145 | 0.0101% |
| 2017 | 1,044 | 165 | 0.0118% |
| 2018 | 1,101 | 137 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 1,125 | 128 | 0.0095% |
| 2020 | 1,230 | 134 | 0.0105% |
| 2021 | 1,231 | 126 | 0.0103% |
| 2022 | 1,347 | 121 | 0.0092% |
| 2023 | 1,223 | 140 | 0.0108% |
- Early Years (1910-1970s): The name saw very little use.
- The 2000s Surge: A significant increase in popularity began in the early 2000s, peaking in 2009. The name has remained relatively popular since.
The data indicates that while still not a top-tier name, Karma has found a niche and enjoys consistent use. This suggests a growing acceptance and appreciation for its unique sound and meaning.
Data via SSA.gov
The Meaning of Karma
The name Karma derives directly from the Sanskrit word meaning "action," "work," or "deed." In Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, karma refers to the principle of cause and effect, where actions influence the future. It’s a concept of universal justice, implying that good deeds lead to positive outcomes, and negative actions result in unfavorable consequences.
Choosing the name Karma for a child could signify a parent’s desire for their child to live a life guided by ethical principles and awareness of their actions’ impact. It suggests a hope for a life filled with positivity generated by mindful choices. The name carries with it a sense of responsibility and awareness of one’s interconnectedness with the world.
Names Like Karma
If the sound or concept of Karma appeals to you, here are some alternative names to consider:
Names that Sound Like Karma:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Carma | Garden, orchard | Hebrew |
| Karima | Generous, giving | Arabic |
| Karmia | Garden, orchard | Hebrew |
Names Similar to Karma:
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kama | Love; ripe | Indian (Sanskrit) | |
| Kara | A short form of Karen | Latin | |
| Karla | Free man | German | |
| Karman | Garden, orchard | Hebrew | Male |
| Karna | Danish | ||
| Karra | Beloved; friend | Latin |
Lists With Karma
Finding inspiration for baby names can come from various sources. Exploring lists that include the name Karma can spark new ideas and help you discover names that resonate with you.
Conclusion
The name Karma is more than just a trendy choice; it’s a name steeped in meaning and carrying a sense of responsibility. Its rising popularity reflects a growing appreciation for its unique sound and the profound concept it represents. Whether you are drawn to its spiritual connotations or simply its distinctive sound, Karma is a name that makes a statement.