Unisex name · Māori
Koa
“brave, joyous”
Vibes
Explore Koa further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Koa — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Koa is Hawaiian — "brave, bold, warrior" — and the name of the prized Hawaiian hardwood that canoes and surfboards are carved from: courage and the wood that proves it, one word. (Māori koa, separately, means "joy.")
Koa has entered the American top 700 and climbs with the Pacific-name wave.
Two open syllables (KOH-ah). It pairs well with steady middles (Koa James, Koa Benjamin). On our vibe map it is Cultural Fusion courage with Whimsical joy (the Māori reading) and Modern Minimalist grain.
More Māori names
Koa sits in our Māori set — these share its roots.
All Māori names →Koa — common questions
Is Koa a boy or girl name?
Koa is a unisex name — it is given to boys and girls alike, and we list it that way (Māori origin).
What does the name Koa mean?
Koa means “brave, joyous” of Māori origin. Koa is Hawaiian — "brave, bold, warrior" — and the name of the prized Hawaiian hardwood that canoes and surfboards are carved from: courage and the wood that proves it, one word. (Māori koa, separately, means "joy.")
Where does the name Koa come from?
Koa is Māori in origin. Koa has entered the American top 700 and climbs with the Pacific-name wave.
How popular is Koa?
Koa ranked #269 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it familiar without being crowded.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Koa you might want for the nursery.