Makela

“who is like God” — Embodies a sense of spirituality and divi

Finland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1053US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

292All-time births

📅 Since 197000

How to pronounce Makela

MAK·il·uh

/ˈmæk.ɪl.ə/ · stress on MAK · 3 syllables

“who is like God”

Embodies a sense of spirituality and divi · Finland origin

What does Makela mean and where does it come from?

Makela is a feminine name that has Finnish origins. The name is thought to derive from the Finnish word 'mikael' which means 'who is like God'. It is a relatively rare name outside of Finland, but it has gained a following in Scandinavian countries. The name embodies a sense of spirituality and divi

Cultural significance

Makela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Finland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of who is like god.

Peak popularity

Reached #5166 in 1996 — currently #1053 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Makela?

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

Makela Grace

How popular is Makela right now?

Holding steady — currently #1053 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1053 · Top 0.78%

1970

1975

1990

1995

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1053	1,147	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1058	1,127	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1063	1,097	▲ up 8585 · +9873% births
2005	#9648	11	▼ down 2337 · -21% births
2000	#7311	14	▲ up 439 · +27% births
1995	#7750	11	▲ up 5908 · +120% births
1990	#13658	5	▼ down 5012 · -17% births
1975	#8646	6	▼ down 734
1970	#7912	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Makela

Best Year2023Rank #1053

Peak Count1,147

Average Rank#6455

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 20239 years

The story of Makela

Makela is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 292 total births recorded, Makela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7912 in 1970 to #1053 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Makela in 1996:

Emily Jessica Ashley Sarah Samantha

Makela by decade

Makela peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	35
1980s	5
1990s	113
2000s ★	121
2010s	18

💎Makela has only 292 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Makela?

Common

MakMakieMakyEla

What names sound and feel like Makela?

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

Marela

English · A meaningful name

Makella

American · One who is

Makaela

American · Hebrew

Mayela

Spanish · A flower or

Makila

African · to be blessed

Markela

American · of Mars

Takela

American · Takela means 'the

Jakela

American · a variant of

Common questions about the name Makela

What does the name Makela mean?

Makela means "who is like God" — a name rooted in Finland 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 Makela?

Makela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Makela?

Makela originates from Finland tradition. Finland 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 Makela?

Makela is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 K IH0 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Makela?

Makela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Finland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.