Kirtan is a unique and meaningful name of Indian origin. Derived from the Sanskrit word "kirtana," which means "a musical praise or narration," this name has been traditionally associated with Hindu culture and spirituality.
The use of Kirtan as a name dates back to ancient India, where it was often given to children born into families that were involved in religious practices such as devotional singing, known as kirtan. These communal gatherings were held to honor various deities through song and music, fostering unity and spiritual connection among participants.
In many Hindu households, Kirtan is still considered a sacred name, bestowed upon newborns with the hope that they will grow up to be melodious voices carrying on the tradition of kirtan. It can also be used as a middle or surname, reflecting one's family's commitment to spiritual musical practices.
Today, Kirtan has gained popularity beyond its Hindu roots, appealing to parents who appreciate its unique sound and profound meaning. As an uncommon yet significant name, Kirtan stands out while also holding deep cultural and historical significance.
The name Kirtan has seen varying popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1974 and 2022, there have been a total of 180 babies named Kirtan born in the U.S.
The most popular years for the name Kirtan were recent ones, with 12 births each recorded in both 2009 and 2016. This could indicate that the name has gained some traction in recent times, possibly due to its unique sound and spelling.
However, there have also been several years where the name was quite rare, with only 5 births recorded each year from 1974, 1998, 2011, and 2015. This suggests that Kirtan has not always been a popular choice among parents.
It's interesting to note that there have been some fluctuations in the popularity of the name Kirtan over time. For instance, after several years with fewer than 7 births per year (from 2006 to 2013), the number of babies named Kirtan suddenly doubled or even tripled between 2014 and 2016.
Overall, while Kirtan may not be one of the most common names in the U.S., it has maintained a consistent presence over several decades. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming years.