"great happiness"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Kota
Does Kota flow with your last name?
Great happiness — a Japanese classic with Western appeal
Japanese
American
Native American
Earthy
Bold
Unique
Modern
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Kota
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Meaning & Origin
"friend, ally (Dakota root)"
Origin: Lakota Sioux
Language: English
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The Story of Kota
Kota is a traditional Japanese given name composed of the kanji 幸 (ko, meaning happiness or good fortune) and 太 (ta, meaning plump, great, or big). Combined, Kota means great happiness or lucky one. It is a classic and popular boys' name in Japan with multiple kanji combinations possible. In the American West, Kota is also a shortened form of Dakota, the Lakota Sioux word for friend or ally.
In Japan, Kota has been a popular boys' name for decades. In the US, it gained traction as a standalone name in the 2010s, partly through the association with Dakota and partly because of its appealing sound and connection to Japanese culture.
In Japan, the kanji chosen for a name carry enormous meaning and are carefully selected by parents. Kota with the happiness kanji (幸太) expresses the parents' deepest wish for their child's life. Several notable Japanese athletes bear this name.
Historical Record
Kota first appeared in US Social Security records in 1985.
Over 960 babies have been named Kota in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kota is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,047 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kota Ibushi is a famous Japanese professional wrestler known as the Golden Star
- In Japanese, different kanji combinations for Kota can mean great happiness, healthy and large, or light and big
Kota in Other Languages
English
Kota
Spanish
Kota
Japanese
幸太 / 康太
Popularity Over Time
#2,047
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kota
K
Kota Mizunami
Athlete
1992
Japanese professional wrestler who has competed internationally in AEW and other promotions
K
Kota Ibushi
Athlete
1985
Japanese professional wrestler, multiple IWGP Heavyweight Champion known as the Golden Star
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Compare Kota with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,047
- Total SSA Count
- 74
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese American Native American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kota
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kota is also used as a girl name, ranked #6452.
View Kota as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kota
What does the name Kota mean?
"great happiness" (from Japanese). "friend, ally (Dakota root)" (from Lakota Sioux). Kota is a traditional Japanese given name composed of the kanji 幸 (ko, meaning happiness or good fortune) and 太 (ta, meaning plump, great, or big). Combined, Kota means great happiness or lucky one. It is a classic and popular boys' name in Japan with multiple kanji combinations possible. In the American West, Kota is also a shortened form of Dakota, the Lakota Sioux word for friend or ally.
What is the origin of the name Kota?
Kota has Japanese, Lakota Sioux, American, and Native American origins. In Japanese, it means "great happiness". In Lakota Sioux, it means "friend, ally (Dakota root)".
Is Kota a boy or girl name?
Kota is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2047. As a girl name, it is ranked #6452. Kota is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Kota?
Kota is currently ranked #2047 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kota?
Popular middle name pairings include Kota James, Kota Lee, Kota Ren, Kota Kai, Kota Ryu, and Kota Alexander.
What are good sibling names for Kota?
Names that pair well with Kota as siblings include Koda, Ryu, Kai, Hana, Suki, and Akira.
How many syllables does Kota have?
Kota has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kota a common or rare name?
Kota is an uncommon name, ranked #2047 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kota
Kota is a boy name with Japanese, American, and Native American origins . The name means "great happiness" in Japanese .
Is Kota a boy or girl name? Kota is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,047 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,452. Kota is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kota is currently ranked #2,047 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kota has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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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