Hoda Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: HOH-dah //ˈhoʊ.də//
Origin: Arabic; Persian
Meaning: Arabic: 'the one who is guided'; Persian: 'gift'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Hoda has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "huda," which means "guidance" or "right guidance." This term is often associated with moral and spiritual direction, reflecting a significant aspect of Islamic teachings. The name has been used in various forms throughout history, with its earliest occurrences found in Arabic literature and texts, where it is often linked to virtuous qualities and the pursuit of wisdom.
Historically, the name Hoda has been borne by notable figures in Islamic history, contributing to its cultural resonance. For instance, it is mentioned in classical Arabic poetry and literature, where it symbolizes enlightenment and moral clarity.
The name's significance is further underscored by its use in religious contexts, as guidance is a central theme in the Quran, which was compiled in the 7th century. The name has also been embraced by various Muslim communities, reflecting its enduring appeal across different cultures and regions.
Culturally, Hoda embodies values of wisdom, leadership, and ethical conduct, making it a meaningful choice for many families. The name has been associated with various traditional narratives and folklore, often linked to figures who exemplify guidance and righteousness.
Additionally, diminutive forms such as Hodi or Hoda'a may appear in familial or affectionate contexts, though the primary form remains prevalent. Overall, Hoda carries a rich historical and cultural legacy that continues to resonate within Arabic-speaking and Islamic communities.
Famous people named Hoda
In this section, you will find notable people named Hoda. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Hoda who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Hoda who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Hoda Kotb is a television personality and journalist best known for Today, Dateline NBC, and her work with NBC News.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Hoda, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Hoda. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Hoda was first seen in the United States in 1972.
Hoda has ranked as high as #6429 nationally, which occurred in 1987, and has been most popular in New York.
In the past 5 years the name Hoda has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Hoda is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Hoda was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Hoda.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 9 |
| 2024 | 7 | 7 |
| 2023 | 11 | 11 |
| 2022 | 8 | 8 |
| 2021 | 13 | 13 |
| 2020 | 7 | 7 |
| 2019 | 9 | 9 |
| 2018 | 12 | 12 |
| 2017 | 8 | 8 |
| 2016 | 10 | 10 |
| 2015 | 11 | 11 |
| 2014 | 9 | 9 |
| 2013 | 10 | 10 |
| 2012 | 9 | 9 |
| 2011 | 19 | 19 |
| 2010 | 6 | 6 |
| 2009 | 7 | 7 |
| 2008 | 9 | 9 |
| 2007 | 10 | 10 |
| 2006 | 14 | 14 |
| 2005 | 11 | 11 |
| 2004 | 8 | 8 |
| 2003 | 12 | 12 |
| 2002 | 11 | 11 |
| 2001 | 10 | 10 |
| 2000 | 13 | 13 |
| 1999 | 13 | 13 |
| 1998 | 10 | 10 |
| 1997 | 6 | 6 |
| 1996 | 9 | 9 |
| 1995 | 13 | 13 |
| 1994 | 12 | 12 |
| 1993 | 9 | 9 |
| 1992 | 11 | 11 |
| 1991 | 15 | 15 |
| 1990 | 7 | 7 |
| 1989 | 18 | 18 |
| 1988 | 9 | 9 |
| 1987 | 20 | 20 |
| 1986 | 9 | 9 |
| 1985 | 12 | 12 |
| 1984 | 9 | 9 |
| 1983 | 14 | 14 |
| 1982 | 11 | 11 |
| 1981 | 7 | 7 |
| 1980 | 12 | 12 |
| 1979 | 8 | 8 |
| 1978 | 7 | 7 |
| 1973 | 6 | 6 |
| 1972 | 7 | 7 |
Top States for Hoda (1989)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 6 |