Mikaela

Mikaela is the Scandinavian and Finnish spelling of Michaela, which itself is the female equivalent of the masculine name 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. In the Bible, 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. 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 other European countries. The traditional German pronunciation is four syllables (mi-khah-E-lah), but in America people have a tendency to pronounce it with three syllables (mi-KAY-la). This is normal since different languages have different sound interpretations. Mikaela (swapping the “ch” for a “k”) is the traditional spelling in Finland, Sweden and other Nordic countries. In France, the name is Michéle.