"friend, ally"
Origin: Lakota Sioux
Language: Dakota
Kodah
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A Native American name meaning friend and companion
Native American
American
Earthy
Strong
Whimsical
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Meaning & Origin
"companion, bear friend"
Origin: Native American
Language: English
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The Story of Kodah
Kodah is a variant spelling of Koda, which comes from the Sioux word koda meaning friend or ally. In the Dakota Sioux language, koda expresses the bond of companionship and brotherhood. The name gained widespread recognition through the Disney film Brother Bear (2003), where the bear cub character Koda embodied the spirit of friendship and family.
Koda and its variant Kodah rose in popularity following the 2003 Disney film Brother Bear. The name appeals to parents drawn to short, punchy names with nature connections and Native American heritage. It fits perfectly in the trend of rugged, outdoorsy names.
In Lakota and Dakota Sioux culture, the concept of friendship and alliance (koda) is fundamental to community life. Names expressing these bonds of fellowship reflect important cultural values of reciprocity and kinship.
Historical Record
Kodah first appeared in US Social Security records in 2003.
Over 472 babies have been named Kodah in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kodah is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,477 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Koda is the name of the bear cub in Disneys Brother Bear (2003) and its sequel
- The Lakota word koda (friend/ally) is also used as a greeting in Sioux culture
Kodah in Other Languages
Dakota
Koda
Lakota
Koda
Popularity Over Time
#3,477
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kodah
K
Koda Fictional
Other
The young bear cub in Disneys Brother Bear (2003), representing friendship and family bonds
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Compare Kodah with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,477
- Total SSA Count
- 33
- Cultural Origins
- Native American American
- 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kodah
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kodah is also used as a girl name, ranked #25513.
View Kodah as a girl name →Similar Names
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Old English compound origin
"Jack's settlement"
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Gaelic origin
"son of Faelan (the little wolf)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kodah
What does the name Kodah mean?
"friend, ally" (from Lakota Sioux). "companion, bear friend" (from Native American). Kodah is a variant spelling of Koda, which comes from the Sioux word koda meaning friend or ally. In the Dakota Sioux language, koda expresses the bond of companionship and brotherhood. The name gained widespread recognition through the Disney film Brother Bear (2003), where the bear cub character Koda embodied the spirit of friendship and family.
What is the origin of the name Kodah?
Kodah has Lakota Sioux, Native American, and American origins. In Lakota Sioux, it means "friend, ally". In Native American, it means "companion, bear friend".
Is Kodah a boy or girl name?
Kodah is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3477. As a girl name, it is ranked #25513. Kodah is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Kodah?
Kodah is currently ranked #3477 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kodah?
Popular middle name pairings include Kodah James, Kodah Bear, Kodah River, Kodah Wolf, and Kodah Lee.
What are good sibling names for Kodah?
Names that pair well with Kodah as siblings include Dakota, Cheyenne, Wyatt, Sage, and River.
How many syllables does Kodah have?
Kodah has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kodah a common or rare name?
Kodah is an uncommon name, ranked #3477 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Kodah?
Are there other spellings for Kodah?
Related spellings include Koda.
About the Name Kodah
Kodah is a boy name with Native American and American origins . The name means "friend, ally" in Lakota Sioux .
Is Kodah a boy or girl name? Kodah is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,477 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #25,513. Kodah is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kodah is currently ranked #3,477 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kodah has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kodah include Ko. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kodah include Koda . 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