Find out how popular the first name Mikea has been for the last 29 years (from 1982 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mikea by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Mikea is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mikea.

The history of the first name Mikea

The given name Mikea has its origins in the Malagasy language, spoken by the ethnic Malagasy people of Madagascar. It is believed to have derived from the ancient Proto-Malayo-Polynesian root word "mika," which means "small" or "little." The name likely emerged during the early centuries of the first millennium, as the Malagasy civilization began to flourish on the island nation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mikea can be found in the oral traditions and folklore of the Antakarana people, a subgroup of the Malagasy ethnic group. These stories, passed down through generations, often featured characters with names like Mikea, reflecting the cultural significance of this name within the Malagasy society.

In the 16th century, when the first European explorers arrived in Madagascar, they documented the use of the name Mikea among the local population. Portuguese and Dutch navigators' journals from that era contain references to individuals bearing this name, providing valuable historical records of its existence.

Throughout the centuries, several notable figures have borne the name Mikea. One of the earliest documented is Mikea Andriantsitohaina, a prominent ruler of the Sakalava Kingdom in the 17th century, who played a crucial role in uniting various Malagasy tribes under his leadership.

Another influential figure was Mikea Andriamamilaza, a revered spiritual leader and healer from the 18th century, renowned for her extensive knowledge of traditional Malagasy medicine and healing practices.

In the 19th century, Mikea Rainiketaka gained recognition as a skilled artisan and woodcarver, whose intricate works adorned many of the royal palaces and temples of the Merina Kingdom.

During the 20th century, Mikea Rasolofo made a significant impact as a pioneering educator, establishing several schools and advocating for access to education for underprivileged children across Madagascar.

More recently, Mikea Razafimahatratra, born in 1957, has achieved international acclaim as a renowned Malagasy author and poet, whose works have been translated into multiple languages and have garnered numerous literary awards.

The name Mikea continues to hold cultural significance within the Malagasy community, serving as a testament to the rich heritage and traditions of this island nation.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mikea was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mikea, please contact us.

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