Koda
Koda is a boy's name of Indigenous American origin.
Meaning
Friend or ally.
Origin and history
Koda is derived from a Dakota word meaning 'friend' or 'ally.' It has surged in popularity in the United States in recent years, partly influenced by pop culture such as animated films. Its brief, modern sound appeals to parents looking for short, nature-adjacent, or friendly names.
Popularity in the United States
6,919 babies in the United States have been named Koda since 1880. It ranks #1449 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #461.
States where it is most popular
- CA (11.1 %)
- TX (10.5 %)
- FL (5.3 %)
- WA (4.6 %)
- OK (4.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 0 |
| 1980-1990 | 57 |
| 1990-2000 | 62 |
| 2000-2010 | 776 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,107 |
| 2020-2029 | 3,917 |
Fun facts
- In the Dakota language, Koda directly translates to 'friend' or 'companion.'
- The name gained broader public awareness after the release of Disney's animated movie Brother Bear in 2003.
- More than half of all U.S. male birth records for Koda since 1880 have occurred between 2020 and 2025.