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Koa Name Meaning (Origin, Popularity & Nicknames)

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Learn about the name Koa, including the meaning, gender, origin, popularity, and more.

Koa Overview

  • Meaning: Koa means “valiant, brave” or “warrior” in Hawaiian and “crow” in the aboriginal Australian Kaurna language.
  • Gender: Koa is traditionally a male name but has become unisex in modern times.
  • Origin: Koa stems from both the Hawaiian and Kaurna languages.
  • Pronunciation: Koa is pronounced “KOH-ah,” “KOH-uh,” and “KAW-ah.”
  • Popularity: Koa is rare worldwide but popular in Australia, England, and the U.S. It peaked on the U.S. charts in 2023 at 298th.
  • Nicknames: Kay, Ko, Koko.
  • Namesakes: Koa Egan, son of Irish singer-songwriter Kian Egan. Koa Smith, a Hawaiian surfer.

What Does Koa Mean?

Koa means “valiant one” or “warrior” in Hawaiian, but also refers to a type of Acacia tree native to the Hawaiian islands. The durable Koa wood symbolizes courage and strength, hence the name. Koa also means “crow” in Kaurna.

What Is the Origin of the Name Koa?

Koa is the Hawaiian word for “warrior.” However, it carries a broader connotation of bravery and fearlessness. Koa, meaning “crow,” stems from the Kaurna language of the Australian Adelaide Plains region.

How Popular Is the Name Koa?

Koa is rare worldwide but appears on charts in Australia, England, and Wales. In the U.S., Koa peaked at 298th on the charts in 2023 and was 489th in England in 2021.

How Do I Pronounce Koa?

Koa is typically pronounced “KOH-ah” and “KOH-uh,” but it is also said as “KAW-ah” in Kaurna.

Is Koa a Boy or Girl Name?

Koa is traditionally a male name but is also used for girls in practice.

Nicknames for Koa

Although Koa is already short, don’t let that stop you from using pet names! Here are three cute nicknames for Koa:

  • Kay
  • Ko
  • Koko

Similar Names to Koa

If you’re looking for something similar in appearance or meaning to Koa, here are several options worth considering:

Middle Names for Koa

With just three letters and two-syllables, Koa is perfectly suited to an array of middle names. We’ve done the legwork and curated a list of diverse second names, just for you. So, if you’re sure about Koa, why not try one of these complimentary picks?:

Sibling Names for Koa

Do you crave a complimentary sibling’s name for Koa? We’ve put together a collection of cute sibling names for Koa that will suit a brother or a sister!

For a brother:

For a sister:

Unisex sibling names:

Famous People Named Koa

Despite its rarity, there are quite a few famous people named Koa. Here is a list of the most notable bearers of Koa:

  • Koa Dumont: Son of American musician Thomas Dumont.
  • Koa Egan: Son of Irish singer-songwriter Kian Egan.
  • Koa Rothman: Hawaiian surfer.
  • Koa Smith: Hawaiian surfer.

Koa FAQs

Koa is a fascinating name many people want to learn more about. Check out some answers to commonly asked questions about Koa:

What Does the Name Koa Mean in the Bible?

In Ezekiel 23:23, Koa or Ko’a refers to a group of people or a region in the Bible. A prophecy from God indicated that this was where some of the enemy forces that would assault the unfaithful Jerusalem and Judah would come from.

Is Koa a Rare Name?

With less than 3,000 bearers worldwide, Koa is a rare name. However, it has become more popular in the U.S., especially in Hawaii.

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About the Author

Leigha Mayers

Leigha-Ceres Mayers is a freelance editor and copywriter from Trinidad and Tobago. Previously a primary school assistant teacher, she went on to acquire a TESOL certification before transitioning to freelancing. Outside of researching baby names, Leigha works alongside her husband, producing and publishing romance sci-fi and fantasy books. As a mum of two, she uses what little spare time she has to create traditional and digital works of art. Her other hobbies include voracious reading, watching anime, and learning new languages.