Karna is a male given name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "karna" which means "ear". The name is associated with the character Karna in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, who was known for his bravery and skill in archery.
According to the legend, Karna was the eldest son of the Sun god Surya and his wife Kunti, who later became the mother of the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata. However, due to societal norms and discrimination against illegitimate children at that time, Karna was abandoned by his mother after birth and raised by a charioteer named Adhiratha.
Despite being abandoned at birth, Karna grew up to be a skilled warrior and archer, even surpassing the Pandavas in martial arts. He later fought on the side of the Kauravas against the Pandavas in the great war of Mahabharata, but was ultimately killed by Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers.
The name Karna has been popular among Indians for centuries and continues to be a popular choice among parents today. It is often given to boys in the hope that they too will grow up to be brave, skilled, and courageous like their namesake from the Mahabharata.
"Karna is a unique and uncommon name, with only six babies being born with this name in the United States in the year 2000. While it may not be a popular choice among parents, the fact that there were any Karna births at all indicates that some families find the name appealing for its distinctive sound or meaning."