Skanda is a unique and ancient Indian boy's name with a rich history and profound meaning. Derived from the Sanskrit word "Skand," which translates to "to leap" or "to jump," Skanda is believed to be one of the earliest names in Indian mythology.
In Hindu lore, Skanda is revered as the god of war, courage, and victory. He is often depicted with six heads and twelve arms, each holding a different weapon or gesture symbolizing his immense power and wisdom. Skanda's most notable attribute is his ability to leap great distances, which is reflected in his name.
The story of Skanda begins with his parents, Lord Shiva, the destroyer god, and Parvati, the goddess of love and fertility. According to legend, when Parvati needed someone to protect her from a demon named Taraka, she created Skanda out of her forehead and assigned him the task of defeating the monster.
Skanda, true to his name, leaped into battle with extraordinary valor and eventually defeated Taraka. This victory earned him the title "Karttikeya," which means "lord of the Krittikas" or the Pleiades star cluster. Skanda's triumph over Taraka also led to his recognition as the commander-in-chief of the celestial army.
Today, Skanda continues to be a popular choice among Indian parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their sons. While its origins are deeply rooted in ancient mythology, the name Skanda carries a universal message of courage, power, and victory that transcends cultural boundaries.
The name Skanda appears to have gained some popularity in the United States over the past two decades, with a total of 151 babies being given this name since 2004. The annual number of births with the name Skanda has varied from year to year, ranging from a low of 5 births in 2009 to a high of 16 births in 2023.
The most popular years for the name Skanda were recently, with 16 births recorded in 2023 and 15 births in 2016. This suggests that the name may be becoming more fashionable among parents in recent times.
However, it's worth noting that even at its peak, the name Skanda is still relatively uncommon compared to many other names. In 2023, for example, there were approximately 750,000 babies born in the United States altogether. This means that Skanda accounted for only about 0.002% of all births that year.
Overall, while the name Skanda has seen some fluctuation in popularity over the past two decades, it remains a relatively rare choice among parents in the United States.