Origin and meaning of the name Mikala

Learn more about the origin of the name Mikala

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Mikala

The name Mikala is a variant of Michaela, which is derived from the Hebrew name Micha'el, meaning "who is like God?" or "resembling God". The name Mikala emerged as an alternative spelling in various European languages, including Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish, where it gained popularity due to a Scandinavian folk song titled "Mikal Wesselsohn." This song tells the story of a poor shoemaker named Mikal who uses his wit and resourcefulness to outsmart those who try to cheat him. The name became more common in English-speaking countries after its use in the popular children's book series "The Chronicles of Prydain" by Lloyd Alexander, where Mikael serves as a key character.

Character traits associated with the name Mikala

Mikala is often perceived as a determined and assertive individual. She possesses a strong will and demonstrates a high level of self-confidence, which enables her to take charge of situations effectively. Her intelligence and analytical skills make her an excellent problem solver and a reliable source of advice for others. Mikala values independence and prefers to work on her own, but she is also capable of collaborating when necessary. She exhibits empathy and kindness towards those around her, which earns her respect and admiration from her peers. However, Mikala can be perceived as somewhat stubborn at times, refusing to yield even when faced with compelling evidence that contradicts her beliefs. Overall, Mikala is a highly driven and independent individual who commands respect due to her intelligence, determination, and compassion.

Popularity of the name Mikala

Mikala is a feminine given name that originates from Greek roots, meaning "who is like God?" The name has seen varying levels of popularity throughout different regions and time periods. In the United States, Mikala gained significant recognition during the late 20th century as a variant of Michaela or Michelle, rising in the top 1000 most popular names for girls between 1960 and 1970. However, since then, its popularity has waned slightly; it is currently ranked at approximately 800 in the U.S. birth name charts (as of 2020 data). In other parts of the world, such as Norway and Denmark, Mikala has remained more consistently popular due to cultural and linguistic preferences for names that closely resemble their native languages. Overall, while Mikala is not as commonly used as some other names, it remains a distinctive choice with historical and international appeal.

Famous people with the name Mikala

Mikaela Shiffrin is a renowned American alpine ski racer who has dominated the sport since her debut. She's a five-time World Champion and an Olympic gold medalist, known for her versatility across different disciplines. In music, Mikaela Davis, an American multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, is also notable. Her distinctive harp playing style has gained her recognition in the indie folk scene. In athletics, Mikaela Cojuangco-Jaworski, a Filipino equestrian who represented the Philippines at four Olympic Games, is another prominent figure. Lastly, Mikaela Straus, better known by her stage name King Princess, is an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame with her viral hit single "1950". These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Variations of the name Mikala

Mikala is primarily a female given name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name Mikal, which means "who is like God." Here are some variations and spellings of the name:

1. Mikaela - A popular variation with added 'a' at the end, often used in English-speaking countries and other parts of the world.
2. Micaela - A Spanish and Portuguese variant, originating from the Hebrew Mikhael (Michael), meaning "who is like God."
3. Mikel, Mykel, Mickael, Micahla - These are less common variations or phonetic spellings of Mikala, which may be found in different cultures and regions.
4. Makayla, Mackenzie, MacKayla - While not direct translations, these names share similar sounds and meanings, having origins in Celtic or Hebrew languages, and are sometimes used as alternatives to Mikala.
5. Michal, Mireille, Michaela, Mikael, Michelina - These names have roots in the Hebrew origin of Mikhael (Michael), meaning "who is like God." However, they are not direct variations or translations of Mikala but share similar etymologies and meanings.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "mikala"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 24 July 2025