Find out how popular the first name Koa has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Koa by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Koa is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 90% of people named Koa being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,115 male babies and 118 female babies born with the name Koa.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 118 baby girls were named Koa in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Koa

The name Koa originates from the Hawaiian language, which is a Polynesian language spoken in the Hawaiian Islands. The name is believed to have derived from the Hawaiian word "koa," which means "warrior" or "brave."

In ancient Hawaiian culture, the name Koa was often given to children born into families of warriors or chieftains, as it represented strength, courage, and bravery. The name was also associated with the koa tree, which is a hardwood tree native to the Hawaiian Islands and was used to make weapons and canoes.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Koa can be found in the Hawaiian chants and legends, where it was often used to describe brave warriors and chiefs. The name was also mentioned in the Hawaiian language newspapers and records dating back to the 19th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Koa. One of the earliest recorded figures with this name was Koa Kalanianaole, who was a Hawaiian chief and military leader in the late 18th century. He was known for his bravery in battles against invading forces and his leadership skills.

Another prominent figure with the name Koa was Koa Anuenue, who was a Hawaiian prince and heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii in the early 19th century. He was known for his intelligence and diplomatic skills, and played a significant role in maintaining peaceful relations between the Hawaiian Kingdom and other nations.

In more recent times, Koa Nui was a renowned Hawaiian musician and composer who lived during the mid-20th century. He was known for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian music and culture, and his compositions are still widely celebrated today.

Koa Rothman is a contemporary Hawaiian professional surfer and environmentalist. He is known for his exceptional surfing skills and his advocacy for ocean conservation and sustainability.

Koa Parmenter is an American-born mixed martial artist and former professional wrestler. He has competed in various promotions and is known for his aggressive fighting style and determination in the ring.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Koa throughout history, each contributing to their respective fields and embodying the spirit of bravery and strength associated with the name's Hawaiian origins.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Koa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Koa, please contact us.

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