Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Koa
BoyHawaiian· “brave, warrior; koa tree”
- Meaning
- brave, warrior; koa tree
- Origin
- Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- KOH-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #269
- US babies 2025
- 1,281
- Best rank
- #269 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Koa
Koa is a Hawaiian name that means “brave, warrior; koa tree”.
Koa is a Hawaiian word meaning "brave," "bold" or "warrior," and it is also the name of a large tree native to Hawaii, prized for its beautiful wood, which is used for canoes, furniture and ukuleles. As a given name Koa has become popular in Hawaii and increasingly on the mainland United States, appealing to parents who like short names with meaning and a connection to nature. It is easy to say and spell, and its three letters give it a bright, confident feel. The name also echoes names like Noah and Kai.
Famous parents who chose Koa: J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai Watt (2022). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
Koa first appears in US Social Security records in 1978. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 9 different years, starting in 2017. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #269, and its highest count, 1,281 babies. Use has grown 691% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #5,250 in 1980, #4,491 in 2000, #1,907 in 2010, and #269 in 2025. Of the 7,702 US boys named Koa since records began, 71% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,648 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Saint, Bowen, Bodhi, Kayson, and Bodie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Koa ranked highest in Hawaii, Nevada, and Alaska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #30 | 22 |
| Nevada | #145 | 22 |
| Alaska | #156 | 6 |
| South Carolina | #184 | 31 |
| Delaware | #192 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 90% of US babies named Koa over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Koa is usually pronounced KOH-uh, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with K and ends in “-oa”.
Middle names for Koa
A few middle names that flow with Koa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Koa
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Lists that include Koa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Koa mean?
Koa is a Hawaiian name that means “brave, warrior; koa tree”.
What is the origin of the name Koa?
Koa has Hawaiian roots. Koa is a Hawaiian word meaning "brave," "bold" or "warrior," and it is also the name of a large tree native to Hawaii, prized for its beautiful wood, which is used for canoes, furniture and ukuleles.
Is Koa a popular name?
Yes. Koa ranked #269 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Koa a boy or girl name?
Koa is mainly a boy's name. About 90% of US babies named Koa over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Koa?
Koa is usually pronounced KOH-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings