Find out how popular the first name Koah has been for the last 19 years (from 2005 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Koah by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Koah is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named Koah being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 195 male babies and 24 female babies born with the name Koah.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 24 baby girls were named Koah in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Koah

The name Koah is an ancient Hebrew name with origins dating back to biblical times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "koach," which means strength, power, or vigor. The name first appeared in the Old Testament, where it was used as a title or description for God, referring to His mighty power and authority.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Koah can be found in the Book of Job, where it is used to describe the strength and might of the Lord. The verse reads, "He is the one who by his koach stilled the sea" (Job 26:12). This reference highlights the name's association with divine power and sovereignty.

Throughout the centuries, the name Koah has been borne by various individuals, although it was not as common as some other Hebrew names. One notable figure in history who carried this name was Koah ben Judah, a prominent rabbi and scholar who lived in the 12th century. He was known for his extensive contributions to the study of Jewish law and his writings on the Talmud.

Another historical figure named Koah was Koah ben Isaac, a 13th-century Jewish philosopher and mystic from Spain. He was renowned for his work on Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, and his teachings on the nature of the divine and the soul.

In the 16th century, there was a Jewish scholar and physician named Koah ben Abraham who lived in Italy. He was known for his expertise in medicine and his writings on various topics, including philosophy and theology.

Moving forward in time, one of the most famous individuals named Koah was Koah ben Yitzchak Kaduri, an influential Iraqi-born rabbi and Kabbalist who lived from 1898 to 2006. He was revered for his wisdom and spiritual guidance and was considered a leading authority on Jewish mysticism.

While the name Koah has its roots in ancient Hebrew culture, it has been adopted by people of various backgrounds and nationalities over the centuries. However, it remains a relatively uncommon name, especially in modern times, as many parents have favored more contemporary or traditional Hebrew names for their children.

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 Koah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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