Makela
Feminine variation of Michael, from Hebrew meaning "who is like God".
Name Census estimates that about 283 living Americans carry the first name Makela. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Makela today is around 28 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Makela births was 1996 (19 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Makela. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
283
~ 1 in 1,211,146 Americans
Peak year
1996
19 babies that year
Average age
28
years old
2017 SSA rank
#15,251
Tracked since 1970
Popularity
Makela: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Makela from the 1970s through to the 2010s, spanning 5 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2000s, with 121 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 2000s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Makela by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Makela during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Origin
Meaning and history of Makela
The name Makela is believed to have originated from the Xhosa language, spoken by the Xhosa people of South Africa. It is derived from the Xhosa word "makala," which means "to be happy" or "to rejoice." The name's roots can be traced back to the 16th century, when the Xhosa people were first recorded in historical documents.
In Xhosa culture, names often carry significant meaning and are chosen with great care. The name Makela was likely given to children as a symbol of joy and celebration, reflecting the hope and happiness surrounding their birth. It is a name that has been cherished and passed down through generations within the Xhosa community.
One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Makela was a Xhosa warrior who lived in the late 17th century. Known for his bravery and prowess in battle, he became a prominent figure in the resistance against colonial expansion in the region.
In the 19th century, a Xhosa woman named Makela gained recognition for her activism and advocacy for women's rights. She played a significant role in challenging traditional gender norms and empowering women within her community.
Another notable figure was Makela Nondala, a renowned Xhosa poet and songwriter who lived in the early 20th century. Her works celebrated Xhosa culture and traditions, and she was widely respected for her contributions to the preservation of her people's heritage.
In more recent times, Makela Masitara was a South African artist and sculptor whose works were inspired by the rich cultural traditions of the Xhosa people. Born in 1935, her intricate sculptures and carvings gained international acclaim and were exhibited in prestigious galleries around the world.
Makela Mbete, born in 1948, was a prominent South African politician and activist who played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid. She served as the Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa from 2004 to 2008 and was widely respected for her dedication to democracy and human rights.
While the name Makela has its roots in the Xhosa language and culture, it has transcended borders and gained popularity in various parts of the world. The name's association with joy, happiness, and celebration has resonated with people from diverse backgrounds, making it a cherished choice for parents seeking a meaningful and culturally rich name for their children.
People
Makela + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Makela as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with M
Other first names starting with M with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Makela: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Makela?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 283 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Makela going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 1,211,146 US residents.
Is Makela a common name?
We classify Makela as "Very Rare". It ranks above 78.6% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 292 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Makela most popular?
The single biggest year for Makela was 1996, when 19 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Makela is about 28 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Makela a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Makela in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.