Boy · 601st of 23,106
Koa
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
7,124
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
1,281
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Koa stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Koa originates from Hawaiian culture, meaning warrior or brave one. It has evolved from its traditional usage in Hawaii and represents traits of strength and courage. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name. Koa has gained popularity in recent years, particularly as Hawaiian culture has become more prominent. Notable figures with this name include athletes and entertainers, further contributing to its positive perception.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/koʊˈɑː/
Origin
Hawaiian
Etymology
The name Koa comes from the Hawaiian word for warrior or brave one. It is also associated with the Koa tree, which is valued for its strength and durability.
Meaning
warrior, brave one
Language Evolution
Koa (Hawaiian)
Historical Usage
The name Koa has been used in Hawaii for centuries and has gained popularity outside of Hawaii in recent decades as interest in Hawaiian culture has increased.
Variants & Derivatives
Koa'ke, Koanui
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Koa is seen as a strong, masculine name that is associated with bravery and resilience. It has a positive and vibrant image, particularly in contexts related to Hawaiian culture.
Famous People
Koa Rothman - professional surfer, Koa Misi - American football player
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,281 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 43 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8553rd of 10718 | 14 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7997th of 16616 | 58 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2405th of 24088 | 757 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 601st of 23106 | 5,581 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 16521st of 19264 | 10 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 20558th of 27321 | 16 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15297th of 35406 | 74 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3177th of 30306 | 614 |