Michala is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Who is like God?" It is a variant spelling of the more common Michaela, which is also derived from the Hebrew male name Michael. This name has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among English-speaking countries. Michala is often associated with the archangel Michael, who is mentioned in various religions and cultures as a protector or defender. The name carries a sense of strength, courage, and divine connection. It consists of three syllables, /miːˈkɑːlə/, and is typically pronounced with a long 'i' sound similar to 'mee'. There are no significant variations in pronunciation across different languages. Michala has been used for both boys and girls, but it is more commonly associated with females in recent times. It tends to be favored by parents who appreciate unique yet meaningful names with strong spiritual connotations. The name does not have any specific popular culture references or famous figures attached to it, which allows individuals named Michala to create their own identity without being overshadowed by well-known personalities.
The name Michala experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike beginning in 1993 and peaking in 1994 with 144 births. However, it seems to have fallen out of favor since the early 2000s, with fewer than 50 births per year from 2002 onwards, and as low as 7 births in 2014. Overall, Michala has been given to 1545 babies between 1970 and 2015.