Koda is a masculine given name of English usage, at least in part inspired by a character from the animated film Brother Bear (2003). The name was taken by the movie's creators from the Lakota or Dakota word koda, meaning "friend, companion". Etymology and Cultural Origin The Lakota and Dakota languages are members of the Siouan language family spoken by Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. In these languages, koda (also spelled kȟáta or koda) denotes a close companion, akin to a best friend or ally. The name gained modern visibility through the Disney film Brother Bear, where the character Koda is a friendly and talkative young bear who becomes the main protagonist's companion. However, the name also exists independently in English usage and belongs to a category of given names derived from Native American words. Linguistic Notes Outside of its use as a given name, Koda also refers to an Austroasiatic language spoken in parts of India and Bangladesh. The article on Wiktionary notes that the name's etymology is uncertain and may derive from multiple sources; the Brother Bear association specifically ties it to Lakota/Dakota. In Bavarian German, Koda is an alternative form of Kåda from Middle High German, meaning "tomcat," but that is unrelated to the given name. Usage and Popularity As a given name, Koda has grown in popularity in the United States since the 2000s, likely boosted by the Brother Bear film. In 2023, it ranked among the top 500 names for boys, according to the Social Security Administration. The spelling is consistent, though related names like Kodah exist as variants. Meaning: "friend, companion" (Lakota/Dakota) Origin: Indigenous American (Siouan languages) Type: Given name (modern coinage from pop culture) Usage: English-speaking countries; United States