Karuna is a name of Sanskrit origin, derived from the word "karuṇā", which means compassion or mercy. It is often used in India as both a given name and a family name.
The name Karuna has significant historical and cultural importance in Hinduism. In Hindu mythology, Karuna is one of the four cardinal virtues along with Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), and Asteya (non-stealing). It represents the qualities of kindness, empathy, and compassion towards all living beings.
The name also has a prominent presence in Buddhism. In this context, Karuna signifies active compassion to alleviate others' suffering. The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Quan Yin or Guan Yin, is revered for embodying the spirit of Karuna.
In India, naming children after virtues like Karuna is a common practice, reflecting the parents' desire for their child to embody these qualities. It is believed that by doing so, the child will grow up with compassion and kindness as integral parts of their personality.
Overall, the name Karuna carries deep philosophical and spiritual significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and mercy in our daily lives.
The name Karuna has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past four decades. In the mid-1970s to early 1980s, there were around five births per year with peaks in 1976 and 1983. The name then experienced a resurgence in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with eight births recorded in both 2000 and 2006.
The years 2003 to 2010 saw a consistent number of births ranging from six to seven per year. There was a significant increase in the number of births in 2012, with twelve recorded that year. Since then, the name's popularity has fluctuated, with nine births in both 2015 and 2017, five in 2018, seven in 2019, and five in 2020.
Overall, a total of 144 babies were named Karuna in the United States between 1976 and 2020. This data shows that while the name's popularity has varied over time, it has remained relatively consistent throughout the decades.