Koa is a Māori name meaning "happy" or "joy." In Māori culture, names often reflect the parents' hopes for the child, and Koa embodies a wish for a joyful and contented life. While the name has the same spelling as the Hawaiian word for "warrior" or the acacia koa tree, its meaning and origin are distinct. It is considered a gender-neutral name, though usage data suggest it is more common for boys.