Hodan

“the one who is a friend”

Somalia origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#10692US 2022

9Births / yr

↑Rising

260All-time births

📅 Since 198800

How to pronounce Hodan

HOH·DAN

/ˈhoʊ.ˈdæn/ · stress on HOH · 2 syllables

“the one who is a friend”

Somalia origin · Girl name

What does Hodan mean and where does it come from?

'Hodan' is of Somali origin and is commonly used within Somali culture. The name means 'a good friend.' Historically, it has been a name that emphasizes the value of friendship and camaraderie. It has seen a rise in popularity among the Somali diaspora, particularly in the United States, where many

Cultural significance

Hodan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Somalia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one who is a friend.

Peak popularity

Reached #6957 in 2009 — currently #10692 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Hodan?

Hodan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Hodan Grace

How popular is Hodan right now?

Rising fast — up 1995 spots — currently #10692 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2022#10692 · Top 7.9%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#10692	9	▲ up 1995 · +29% births
2021	#12687	7	▼ down 2926 · -30% births
2020	#9761	10	▼ down 1564 · -29% births
2015	#8197	14	▲ up 1282 · +17% births
2010	#9479	12	▲ up 323 · +9% births
2005	#9802	11	▲ up 6413 · +120% births
2000	#16215	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hodan

Best Year2015Rank #8197

Peak Count14

Average Rank#10976

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20227 years

The story of Hodan

Hodan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 260 total births recorded, Hodan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16215 in 2000 to #10692 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Hodan in 2009:

Isabella Emma Olivia Sophia Ava

Hodan by decade

Hodan peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	5
1990s	22
2000s	96
2010s ★	127
2020s	10

💎Hodan has only 260 total recorded births since 1988 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Hodan?

Common

HodHodieHody

What names sound and feel like Hodan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hodan also consider these

Hoda

Arabic · gift

Honan

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Horan

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hoban

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hojan

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Holan

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Homan

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Codan

Latin · A Latin name

Common questions about the name Hodan

What does the name Hodan mean?

Hodan means "the one who is a friend" — a name rooted in Somalia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Hodan?

Hodan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Hodan?

Hodan originates from Somalia tradition. Somalia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Hodan?

Hodan is a two-syllable name pronounced HH OW1 D AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Hodan a common or rare name?

Hodan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.