Rising since 2015, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Khoa since 1976
Babies named Khoa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1985, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Khoa's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 24 |
| 1980s | 182 |
| 1990s | 203 |
| 2000s | 169 |
| 2010s | 127 |
| 2020s | 112 |
Meaning & origin
Khoa is a distinctive Vietnamese name that entered U.S. records in 1976 and has seen increasing use in recent decades, particularly in Texas. The name is uncommon, ranking 4,396th in 2025 with a frequency of 1 in 74,264 births. Its strongest period of growth began around 2015, and it peaked in popularity in 2023, suggesting a steady upward trend among Vietnamese American families and others seeking short, impactful names. While its meaning remains elusive, its modern adoption underscores a pattern of cross-cultural name exchange.
Khoa is a Vietnamese given name, typically masculine. Its etymology is unclear; it may be related to the Vietnamese word 'khoa' meaning 'subject' or 'course of study' as in academic disciplines. It has been used as a given name in Vietnam and among Vietnamese diaspora communities, gaining modest visibility in the United States since the late 20th century.
Where Khoa is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Khoa
Names that share Khoa's style, for a brother or sister.

