Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Name Koa for a boy?

135 replies

Soph903 · 05/03/2024 09:47

Hi, we are due our baby boy soon and love the names Koa, Oakley or Arlo but so far Koa seems to be the favourite. We like more of the unusual/less common names what does anyone else think? Any name suggestions? Thankyou.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Rosiiee · 05/03/2024 10:47

Not a fan sorry OP. Looks like a nickname for Koala.

What about Coda? Similar vibe. I know 2 Codas!

Gibs0nGirl · 05/03/2024 10:45

To me it reads like one of the 'K' names - Kai, Kaylen, Kayden, etc. Could be one of the Rooney's kids names.

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 05/03/2024 10:43

Koa, although Hawaiian, is a type of tree found in the Hawaiian islands. Having spent a lot of time there when I was growing up (my aunt lived on Oahu), I have to say, I really love it as a name. But I'd assume that you'd have spent time in Hawaii or are at least familiar with the tree. It doesn't matter if the latter isn't the case. If you love the name, use it. I love the name Leilani, for example. I'd happily use it, even though I have no cultural affiliation with Hawaii.

Original poster
Soph903 · 05/03/2024 10:34

Thankyou, we aren't as keen on Noah as it's a very popular name. Agree with regards to other now popular names being used from previous cultures. We just haven't found a name we love compared to Koa. Thanks for all your advice.

OP posts:
Pocketfullofdogtreats · 05/03/2024 10:20

I would be wary about going for an unusual name that has obvious connection to another culture. But - no one bats an eyelid at e.g. Phoebe and Chloe (Greek), Sarah (Hebrew), Richard (German) etc etc, so at some point these 'normal' names must've been adopted by people not from that culture and made them popular. Sorry, not much help except to say go with what you love or you may regret not going for it. Noah?

DrJoanAllenby · 05/03/2024 10:17

Unique and cute is fine when they are little but try and imagine what their teenage years will be like if they are fat and or spotty and have a cute sounding name! Or even when they are a middle aged bloke!

Think of their name appearing on a job application and how it might cause prejudice against them.

Phillippeflop · 05/03/2024 10:17

I know a koa. Family have no Hawaiian heritage at all- just welsh and English. I don’t think it always matters if you like the name.

DrJoanAllenby · 05/03/2024 10:15

It's an awkward sounding name especially if you are just ordinary British films with no foreign heritage.

If your surname is Lambert then the child will be ridiculed.

What's wrong with Noah if you like the sound?

Original poster
Soph903 · 05/03/2024 10:12

Hi, thanks for your reply. No neither hawaiian thats the only reason we're thinking the name may not be the best choice! Think Oakley is our next choice but finding it hard to find names that are unique and cute. Thanks for the suggestions x

OP posts:
SoOutingWhoCares · 05/03/2024 09:57

Are you Hawaiian/Polynesian, as the origin of the name suggests? If you are, then it's a nice traditional nod to your heritage. Otherwise I'd be a bit wary.

Arlos are ten a penny these days, loads of them about so maybe not great if you are looking for unique names.

I'm personally not keen on Oakley and know a few toddlers with this name.

Kobe is a biblical name similar to Noah but less popular. Colby is similar.

Avery
Jonah/Jonas
Asher
Milo (but this is very popular)
Blaise