Declining since 2014, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Hodan since 1988
Babies named Hodan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 22 |
| 2000s | 96 |
| 2010s | 127 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Hodan is a given name of Somali origin that entered U.S. birth records in 1988. Its meaning is not definitively established, but it is often associated with positive concepts like 'good fortune' or 'peace.' The name reached its highest recorded usage in 2009, with a rank of #11,932 and a frequency of 1 in 229,610 births in the latest year. Hodan is primarily given to girls and has seen a decline in popularity since 2014, following a trajectory typical of names introduced in the late 20th century. While not among the top names in any U.S. state in recent years, it maintains a stable presence within Somali-American communities and among families seeking a distinctive, culturally resonant name.
The name Hodan is of Somali origin, though its exact etymology is debated. It is thought to derive from the Arabic word hudn, meaning 'calm' or 'peace', or alternatively from a Somali root meaning 'good fortune' or 'prosperity'. The name has been used in Somalia and among the Somali diaspora, particularly since the late 20th century. Hodan first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1988 and has remained consistently in use, with a peak in 2009. It is primarily given to girls.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hoda
Sibling names for Hodan
Names that share Hodan's style, for a brother or sister.
