Origin & Meaning of the Makela Surname
What does the last name Makela mean?
The surname Makela carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,642 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Makela ranks as the #17,249 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Makela come from?
The Makela surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Makela name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Makela trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Makela |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,249 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,642 |
| Per 100K People | 0.56 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Makela
According to the US Census, the Makela surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,642 Americans with the Makela last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.09% |
| Black | 2.44% |
| Hispanic | 4.32% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4.51% |
Popularity of Makela Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Makela surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Makela surname increased by 305 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Makela Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Makela ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Makela
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Makela.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Makela.
Frequently Asked Questions About Makela
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Makela surname also look for: