"friend, companion"
Origin: Lakota Sioux
Language: Lakota
Koda
Does Koda flow with your last name?
A Lakota word for friend — warm, short, and strong
Native American
American
Japanese
Earthy
Unique
Modern
Playful
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"child"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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The Story of Koda
Koda derives from the Lakota Sioux word 'koda' meaning friend or companion, often used as a term of endearment between close friends. The name gained wider recognition in English-speaking cultures through its use in nature naming trends and the 2003 Disney animated film Brother Bear, in which the young bear cub is named Koda. It also has connections to the Japanese word 'ko' meaning child.
Koda rose in US popularity through the 2000s and 2010s, driven by nature-inspired and indigenous naming trends. Parents drawn to short, strong names with positive meanings find Koda appealing as a standalone name rather than a nickname for Dakota.
Among the Lakota Sioux, 'koda' is a cherished term expressing the bond of friendship and brotherhood. The name has been adopted beyond indigenous contexts as part of a broader appreciation for Native American language and culture.
Historical Record
Koda first appeared in US Social Security records in 1984.
Over 6,133 babies have been named Koda in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Koda is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #465 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In the Lakota language, 'kola' or 'koda' is used as a greeting meaning 'my friend'
- The bear cub Koda in Disney's Brother Bear (2003) helped bring this name into mainstream American culture
Koda in Other Languages
French
Koda
Lakota
koda
Spanish
Koda
Japanese
コダ
Popularity Over Time
#465
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Koda
K
K
Koda Fictional
Entertainer
Young bear cub protagonist in Disney's Brother Bear (2003) who forms an unlikely friendship with a human-turned-bear
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #465
- Total SSA Count
- 665
- Cultural Origins
- Native American American Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ko
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Koda
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Koda is also used as a girl name, ranked #2830.
View Koda as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Koda
What does the name Koda mean?
"friend, companion" (from Lakota Sioux). "child" (from Japanese). Koda derives from the Lakota Sioux word 'koda' meaning friend or companion, often used as a term of endearment between close friends. The name gained wider recognition in English-speaking cultures through its use in nature naming trends and the 2003 Disney animated film Brother Bear, in which the young bear cub is named Koda. It also has connections to the Japanese word 'ko' meaning child.
What is the origin of the name Koda?
Koda has Lakota Sioux, Japanese, Native American, and American origins. In Lakota Sioux, it means "friend, companion". In Japanese, it means "child".
Is Koda a boy or girl name?
Koda is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #465. As a girl name, it is ranked #2830. Koda is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Koda?
Koda is currently ranked #465 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Koda?
Popular middle name pairings include Koda James, Koda Lee, Koda River, Koda Blue, Koda Wolf, Koda Bear, and Koda Stone.
What are good sibling names for Koda?
Names that pair well with Koda as siblings include Dakota, Sage, River, Luna, Sienna, Finn, and Phoenix.
How many syllables does Koda have?
Koda has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Koda a common or rare name?
Koda is a popular name, ranked #465 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Koda?
About the Name Koda
Koda is a boy name with Native American, American, and Japanese origins . The name means "friend, companion" in Lakota Sioux .
Is Koda a boy or girl name? Koda is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #465 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,830. Koda is more commonly used as a boy name.
Koda is currently ranked #465 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Koda has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Koda include Ko. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Koda include Kody, Kodi, Kodah, Kodiak . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis