Makela is of Finnish origin, derived from the Finnish word 'makia', which means 'to be brave'. This unique given name is typically used for females and is considered to have a strong and distinctive sound. Makela's popularity has remained relatively low, making it an uncommon yet appealing choice for parents seeking a name that stands out.
The name Makela has had a fluctuating popularity over the past five decades, with its highest point being in the year 2003 when there were 19 recorded births. The most recent data from 2017 shows a slight resurgence with 6 births. However, it's clear that the name's popularity has generally been decreasing since the peak in 2003, with fewer than 10 births per year occurring since then.