Micaela

Meaning & origin

Micaela is a feminine form of Michael, found across Spanish-, Portuguese-, and Italian-speaking cultures. In the United States, the name first appeared on record in 1895, but it remained very rare until the late 20th century. Its peak year was 1995, when it reached rank 604; since 1996 it has gradually declined in use, falling to rank 1285 in 2025 (approximately 1 in 9237 births). Micaela has been especially popular in Florida, Alabama, and Arizona, reflecting its appeal in communities with Hispanic heritage. The spelling Micaela, with a single 'l,' is less common than Michaela but follows the Spanish and Italian pattern, giving it a distinctive European flair that many parents find attractive.

Micaela is a feminine form of Michael, which derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el meaning 'who is like God?' (a rhetorical question implying no one is like God). The name Michael appears in the Bible as an archangel, and its feminine forms have been used across Europe, particularly in Spanish-, Portuguese-, and Italian-speaking countries. Micaela entered English usage in the late 20th century, often as an alternative spelling of Michaela.