Makayla

female

Origin

Makayla is a modern American-influenced variation of the name Michaela, which derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el meaning 'Who is like God?'. The spelling 'Makayla' gained popularity in Australia during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, aligning with contemporary trend movements favouring unique and alternative spellings of traditional names.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'Who is like God?'. In the Australian context, it is often associated with qualities of strength, individuality, and modern femininity.

Pronunciation

/məˈkaɪ-lə/ (Australian English pronunciation: muh-KY-lah, with stress on the second syllable) and IPA transcription /mɐˈkaɪlə/ reflect common Australian pronunciation patterns.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Mikayla
  • Michaela
  • Makaila
  • Makaylah

Nicknames

  • Kayla
  • Maya
  • Kay

Name Days

  • 29 September (Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel) in Catholic calendars, which is sometimes celebrated by families with this name.
  • 26 September (Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian) in some Orthodox traditions.
  • No specific M01ori or Aboriginal cultural celebrations to date.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with makayla:

  • Mia and Makayla
  • Emily and Makayla
  • Sophie and Makayla

Fun Facts

  • Makayla surged in popularity in Australia during the early 2000s, often ranking in the top 50 female names.
  • The name is frequently used in Australian pop culture, appearing in TV shows, movies, and songs.
  • Makayla is a common choice among Australian parents seeking a modern, feminine name with biblical roots.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name makayla:

  • Modern
  • Creative
  • Independent
  • Friendly
  • Expressive

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a balanced, visually appealing appearance with a harmonious combination of consonants and vowels, often considered contemporary and stylish in Australian culture.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with higher registration rates among younger generations seeking distinctive but familiar names.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 (based on Pythagorean numerology), associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking, aligning with modern Australian values of individuality.

Astrological Connections

Cannot be specifically associated with a zodiac sign, though individuals named Makayla may find personal resonance with creative or intuitive signs like Pisces or Cancer.

Historical Context

Makayla does not have a historical or literary origin in Australian historical figures but has become prominent in popular culture, especially among young Australians. Its usage reflects global trends influenced by biblical and Western popular culture.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, often maintaining its spelling or slightly adapting to local phonetic preferences, such as 'Mikaela' in Spanish-speaking regions.

Famous People Named makayla

  • Makayla Crosby (Australian netball player)
  • Makayla Phillips (Australian-American singer)
  • Makayla Rain (fictional character, popular in social media)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 1
2017 3
2016 7
2015 7
2014 8