Koa
How to say it: KOH-uh · /ˈkoʊə/
Hawaiian word meaning brave, bold, fearless; also the name of a native Hawaiian hardwood tree (Acacia koa).
Koa was the 247th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 1,281 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up 8.1-fold in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #71 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #247 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 1,281 |
| Share of births | 1 in 2,151 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | ×8.1 |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #71 |
| In France, 2025 | #2,436 among boys’ names, 5 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Recent years have carried Koa to its height in the 2020s. Occupying its peak today, further advance is anticipated.
What goes with it
Open vowels and a crisp attack give it a bold natural air. Kai feels close in spirit.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Koa is about 1 in 90.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
In France: #2,436 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #199. Ireland: #299.
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