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:
- Duncan
- Ethan
- Jacob
- Kai
- Kane
- Ken
- Kenai
- Kian
- Kit
- Kobe
- Koda
- Leo
- Miles
- Milo
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?:
- Amari
- Benjamin
- Elijah
- Forest
- James
- Kane
- Lysander
- Re
- Rey
- Sebastian
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:
- Eli
- Ira
- Keenan
- Levi
- Taj
- Zane
For a sister:
- Coral
- Eve
- Kora
- Nia
- Willow
- Zara
Unisex sibling names:
- Ari
- Kai
- Oakley
- Rei
- Rio
- River
- Sage
- Skye
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.
