Origin
Derived from the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mikha'el), meaning 'Who is like God?'. The name has been adopted in many Western countries, including Australia, through Christian traditions. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, influenced by global trends and increasing multicultural awareness.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'Who is like God?'. In Australian English contexts, it is often associated with qualities of strength, compassion, and individuality.
Pronunciation
/mɪˈkaɪlə/ (Australian English: 'muh-KY-luh', with emphasis on the second syllable, and a clear 'L' sound in the final syllable).<br>Note: The pronunciation may vary slightly across regions and speakers.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Mikayla
- Micaela
- Michaela
- Mikaila
Nicknames
- Mikki
- Kaela
- Kae
- Miki
Name Days
- 29 September (feast of Saint Michael, recognised in Catholic and Anglican calendars)
- 29 September (Orthodox tradition)
- 22 September (Māori celebration of Māori Language Week, coinciding with broader cultural recognitions)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with mikaela:
- Emma and Olivia
- Charlotte and Sophie
- Lily and Grace (for middle names or siblings)
Fun Facts
- The name Mikaela is often misspelt as 'Mikayla' or 'Micaela', leading to varied spellings in Australian school registers.
- Popularised in Australia in the 1980s and 1990s, partly due to celebrity influences.
- Mikaela Shiffrin, while not Australian, is an internationally recognised athlete with this name, popular in sporting contexts.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name mikaela:
- Creative
- Compassionate
- Independent
- Energetic
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a modern, melodic appearance with a balanced mix of vowels and consonants, visually appealing especially with variants like Mikayla or Michaela.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban and coastal regions, especially in New South Wales and Victoria, reflecting multicultural demographics and naming trends influenced by media and celebrity.
Numerological Significance
Name Number: 7 (assuming the full spelling); associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical skills, fitting the thoughtful personality traits often attributed to bearers.
Astrological Connections
In astrology, 7 is linked with the zodiac signs Virgo and Aquarius, aligning with traits of introspection and originality, common in many Mikaelas born under these signs.
Historical Context
Notable bearers include Australian singer Mikaela Bancks and actress Mikaela De La Cruz. The name's popularity surged with the rise of pop culture figures and in media targeted at young girls in Australia.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name is easily adaptable across many languages, often maintaining its form or slight variations, such as Michaela or Mikayla, in countries with Latin or Slavic languages.
Famous People Named mikaela
- Mikaela Shiffrin (American Olympic skier, internationally renowned)
- Mikaela De La Cruz (Filipino-American singer and actress)
- Mikaela Bancks (Australian children's author and TV personality)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2017 | 3 |
2016 | 4 |
2015 | 1 |
2014 | 4 |
2002 | 44 |