hóba

Hába is a Czech toponym and surname. In geography, Hába designates several small settlements in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, often villages that form part of larger municipalities. The exact status and administrative alignment of each Hába varies by region and over time.

As a surname, Hába originates in Czech-speaking areas. The most widely known bearer is the composer Alois Hába (1893–1973), who was influential in early 20th‑century experimental music. Hába is noted for pioneering microtonal theory and for developing musical systems and instruments capable of performing non‑standard tunings, including quarter tones and later 24‑tone systems. His work contributed to avant-garde movements and the expansion of tuning concepts beyond the standard 12‑tone equal temperament.

Etymologically, the name and toponymic form are of Slavic origin and are found in historical documents dating to the medieval period. Today, Hába appears in cultural references within Czech‑speaking regions and among families with Czech heritage.