Find out how popular the first name Kodiak has been for the last 37 years (from 1988 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kodiak by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Kodiak is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 28 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kodiak.

The history of the first name Kodiak

The name Kodiak has its origins rooted in the native Alaskan language spoken by the Alutiiq people, who inhabited the Kodiak Archipelago in the Gulf of Alaska. The name is derived from the Alutiiq word "Qikertaq," which means "island." This connection to the archipelago is a direct reference to the largest island in the chain, Kodiak Island, which was historically known as Qikertarpak.

The earliest known use of the name Kodiak dates back to the late 18th century, when the Russian fur trader Grigory Shelikhov established the first permanent Russian settlement on Kodiak Island in 1784. This outpost, called Pavlovskaya Gavan (Paul's Harbor), was the starting point for Russian exploration and colonization of the region.

In ancient Alutiiq mythology, Kodiak Island was believed to be the birthplace of the first humans, created by the Raven creator deity. This legend is recorded in oral traditions passed down through generations of Alutiiq elders.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Kodiak was Kodiak Arhimandrite Ioasaf (1797-1825), a Russian Orthodox monk and missionary who lived and worked among the Alutiiq people on Kodiak Island in the early 19th century.

Another notable figure was Kodiak Kristian (1837-1868), an Alutiiq chief and leader who played a crucial role in negotiating treaties between his people and the Russian-American Company during the period of Russian colonization.

In more recent times, Kodiak Yazzie (1913-1976) was a prominent Navajo artist and silversmith, known for his intricate jewelry designs and contributions to preserving traditional Navajo culture.

Kodiak O'Dell (1935-2018) was an American professional wrestler and actor, best known for his tenure in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) during the 1960s and 1970s.

Lastly, Kodiak Greenwood (born 1962) is a Canadian author and journalist, who has written extensively on topics related to indigenous cultures and environmental issues in North America.

While the name Kodiak is primarily associated with the Alutiiq people and the island that bears its name, it has transcended its geographical origins and found use among various cultures and communities around the world, serving as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the Alaskan region.

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

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

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