Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kota
BoyNative American, Japanese· “short form of Dakota; also Japanese”
- Meaning
- short form of Dakota; also Japanese
- Origin
- Native American, Japanese
- Pronunciation
- KOH-tuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,831
- US babies 2025
- 87
- Best rank
- #1,820 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Kota
Kota is a Native American and Japanese name that is usually said to mean “short form of Dakota; also Japanese”.
Kota works in two quite separate traditions. In English it is mainly a short form of Dakota, the name of a Sioux people and of two American states, so it carries the same outdoorsy, Western feel. In Japanese, Kōta is an established boys' name written with various characters, such as combinations meaning happiness or light with thick or great, so its meaning depends on the kanji chosen. The English pronunciation is KOH-tuh. Kota can stand alone or serve as a nickname for Dakota. It is short, friendly and easy to spell, with an unusual mix of American and Japanese roots.
Popularity over time
Kota first appears in US Social Security records in 1985. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,820 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 88 babies. In 2025, 87 babies were named Kota, and it ranked #1,831 nationally. That is 142% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #11,409 in 2000, #4,775 in 2010, and #1,831 in 2025. Of the 1,047 US boys named Kota since records began, 43% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 354 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Asad, Theodor, Tahir, Izrael, and Jareth.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kota ranked highest in Virginia, Illinois, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #1184 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1405 | 5 |
| Texas | #1712 | 10 |
| California | #1923 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 85% of US babies named Kota over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Kota is usually pronounced KOH-tuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ta”.
Middle names for Kota
A few middle names that flow with Kota: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kota
Similar names
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Lists that include Kota
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kota mean?
Kota is a Native American and Japanese name that is usually said to mean “short form of Dakota; also Japanese”.
What is the origin of the name Kota?
Kota has Native American and Japanese roots. Kota works in two quite separate traditions.
Is Kota a popular name?
Not especially. Kota ranked #1,831 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kota a boy or girl name?
Kota is mainly a boy's name. About 85% of US babies named Kota over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Kota?
Kota is usually pronounced KOH-tuh. 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