Mckayla

McKayla is a modern Americanized rendition of Michaela which is the German female equivalent of Michael. The name Michael originated from the Hebrew word “mikha'el” which actually translates into a question: “Who is like God?” It seems odd to have a first name that basically asks a question; however, the question is considered rhetorical. The implied answer is clear: no one is like God. Therefore, the translation of the name Michael is often one of humility. Michael was one of the archangels who stood close to God and carried out His judgments. He was also a protector of the ancient Hebrews. Michael was the chief leader of the angels who fought and defeated the dragon (i.e., the devil), hurling him from heaven. As such, he became of symbol of the Church Militant and a patron saint of soldiers and battles. The name Michael conveys a sense of power, bravery and strength by its translated meaning; but also a symbol of humility expressed very simply by that question mark. Michaela became highly fashionable in Germany, Switzerland and Austria in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and so it eventually spread to English-speaking countries. As is so common in American naming styles, parents began to put their own unique spelling stamps on this old German classic: Makayla, Mckayla, Mikaela, and Mikayla are some such examples. The McKayla version in particular follows another trend which favors the “Mc” prefix (as in McKenna, McKenzie, McKinley).