Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Makayla
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Hebrew· “modern form of Michaela; who is like God?”
- Meaning
- modern form of Michaela; who is like God?
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- muh-KAY-luh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #568
- US babies 2025
- 530
- Best rank
- #37 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Makayla
Makayla is an American (modern coinage) and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “modern form of Michaela; who is like God?”.
Makayla is a modern American variant of Michaela, the feminine form of Michael, which comes from the Hebrew question "who is like God?". The spelling also echoes the Irish and Scottish Mc prefix and names such as Kayla, and it appeared in the late twentieth century along with related forms such as Mikayla and McKayla. Its origin in the biblical Michael gives it a long heritage, even though the spelling is recent. Makayla has a bright, lilting sound with the stress on the middle syllable. Kayla and Kay are easy nicknames, and the name feels friendly and energetic.
Popularity over time
Makayla first appears in US Social Security records in 1971. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 37 different years, starting in 1989. Its best national rank was #37 in 2008, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,957 babies. In 2025, 530 babies were named Makayla, and it ranked #568 nationally. That is 77% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,238 in 1980, #67 in 2000, #43 in 2010, and #568 in 2025. Of the 108,030 US girls named Makayla since records began, 51% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 27,875 babies. Since 2010, 32,281 more have been named Makayla.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jocelyn, Leah, Nevaeh, Kaylee, and Madelyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Makayla ranked highest in Maryland, Georgia, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #321 | 17 |
| Georgia | #359 | 31 |
| New Jersey | #384 | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | #396 | 28 |
| Nevada | #407 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Makayla is usually pronounced muh-KAY-luh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Makayla
A few middle names that flow with Makayla: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Makayla
Similar names
Mikayla Girl
mih-KAY-luh
“who is like God” · Hebrew
#748
Daniella Girl
dan-YEHL-uh
“God is my judge” · Hebrew
#468
Michaela Girl
mih-KAY-luh
“who is like God?” · Hebrew
#843
Samantha Girl
suh-MAN-thuh
“uncertain; possibly Samuel plus -antha” · American (modern coinage)
#151
Elliana Girl
el-ee-AH-nuh
“my God has answered” · Hebrew
#139
Mariela Girl
mah-ree-EH-luh
“diminutive of Maria” · Spanish
#1,232
Dalila Girl
duh-LEE-luh
“form of Delilah, meaning uncertain” · Spanish
#1,528
Mahala Girl
muh-HAY-luh
“variant of Mahalah, tenderness” · Hebrew
#7,359
Gabriella Girl
gab-ree-EL-uh
“God is my strength” · Italian
#105
Kayla Girl
KAY-luh
“modern coinage; possibly from Kay” · American (modern coinage)
#364
Daniela Girl
dan-YEH-luh
“God is my judge” · Spanish
#302
Jayla Girl
JAY-luh
“blend of Jay and -la” · American (modern coinage)
#530
Lists that include Makayla
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Makayla mean?
Makayla is an American (modern coinage) and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “modern form of Michaela; who is like God?”.
What is the origin of the name Makayla?
Makayla has modern American and Hebrew roots. Makayla is a modern American variant of Michaela, the feminine form of Michael, which comes from the Hebrew question "who is like God?".
Is Makayla a popular name?
Yes. Makayla ranked #568 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Makayla a boy or girl name?
Makayla is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Makayla?
Makayla is usually pronounced muh-KAY-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings