Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Mika
GirlJapanese, Finnish· “varies by language”
- Meaning
- varies by language (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Japanese, Finnish
- Pronunciation
- MEE-kuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,641
- US babies 2025
- 127
- Best rank
- #1,198 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Mika
Mika is often said to mean “varies by language”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Japanese and Finnish roots.
Mika has several separate origins, so its meaning depends on the family's language and background. In Japanese, Mika is a girl's name whose meaning depends on the kanji, such as combinations for "beautiful" and "fragrance." In Finland, Mika is a boy's name, a short form of Mikael. In Hebrew-speaking families, it can be a short form of Michaela. Mika has a bright, two-syllable sound and travels easily between languages and cultures.
Popularity over time
Mika first appears in US Social Security records in 1954. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,198 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 203 babies. In 2025, 127 babies were named Mika, and it ranked #1,641 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,172 in 1980, #1,423 in 2000, #1,298 in 2010, and #1,641 in 2025. Of the 6,752 US girls named Mika since records began, 27% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,412 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Inaaya, Kynslee, Prisha, Rylynn, and Brayleigh.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mika ranked highest in Hawaii, California, and Colorado.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #153 | 6 |
| California | #930 | 31 |
| Colorado | #1007 | 5 |
| Washington | #1192 | 5 |
| Georgia | #1716 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 81% of US babies named Mika over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Mika is usually pronounced MEE-kuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-ka”.
Middle names for Mika
A few middle names that flow with Mika: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mika
Similar names
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Lists that include Mika
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mika mean?
Mika is often said to mean “varies by language”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Japanese and Finnish roots.
What is the origin of the name Mika?
Mika has Japanese, Finnish, and Hebrew roots. Mika has several separate origins, so its meaning depends on the family's language and background.
Is Mika a popular name?
Not especially. Mika ranked #1,641 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Mika a boy or girl name?
Mika is mainly a girl's name. About 81% of US babies named Mika over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Mika?
Mika is usually pronounced MEE-kuh. 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