Mekayla Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: meh-KAY-lah /mɪˈkeɪlə/
Origin: English; Hebrew
Meaning: English: Who is like God?; Hebrew: A form of Michaela
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Mekayla is a modern variation of the name Michaela, which has its roots in the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mikha'el), meaning "who is like God?" This name was adapted into Greek as Μιχαήλ (Mikhaēl) and subsequently into Latin as Michael. The name Michaela emerged as a feminine form during the Middle Ages, particularly in the context of Christian tradition, where it was associated with the archangel Michael, a significant figure in Judeo-Christian texts.
The transition of Michaela into various languages and cultures facilitated its adoption into English, where it became popularized in the 20th century through various cultural influences. Historically, the name Michaela and its variants have been borne by numerous saints and notable figures.
One of the most recognized is Saint Michael, celebrated in the Christian tradition as a protector and leader of the heavenly armies. The name Michaela, as a feminine counterpart, gained prominence in the context of religious devotion, particularly among Christian communities.
The name's presence in biblical texts, especially in the context of the archangel, contributed to its enduring significance throughout the centuries. Culturally, the name Mekayla, as a derivative of Michaela, carries connotations of strength and divine protection, reflecting the qualities associated with the archangel Michael.
The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often seen as a symbol of faith and resilience. The use of the diminutive form Kayla also highlights its adaptability and appeal in various linguistic contexts, further enriching its cultural resonance.
Overall, Mekayla represents a blend of historical depth and spiritual significance, rooted in a rich linguistic heritage.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Mekayla was first seen in the United States in 1985. Mekayla has ranked as high as #1147 nationally, which occurred in 1998, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Mekayla has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Mekayla (2018)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1987 | 7 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 13 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 25 |
| 1993 | 39 |
| 1994 | 81 |
| 1995 | 71 |
| 1996 | 70 |
| 1997 | 85 |
| 1998 | 118 |
| 1999 | 106 |
| 2000 | 91 |
| 2001 | 101 |
| 2002 | 85 |
| 2003 | 94 |
| 2004 | 77 |
| 2005 | 70 |
| 2006 | 69 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 51 |
| 2009 | 52 |
| 2010 | 49 |
| 2011 | 38 |
| 2012 | 33 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 21 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2024 | 7 |