Makela
The origin of the surname Makela
Mäkelä joins mäki, “hill,” with the place-ending -lä.
What kind of surname is Makela?
As a toponymic (locational) surname, the surname Makela originally described where its bearer lived or came from — a village, region, landscape feature or landmark. When people moved from one place to another, neighbours often identified the newcomer by their place of origin, and that association became a lasting family name. Some toponymic surnames name a specific town or county; others describe the local terrain, such as a hill, wood, field, ford or bridge beside which a family lived. These names are a kind of map of migration and settlement, recording where earlier generations put down roots.
Variants & spellings
- Mäkelä
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Makela mean?
The surname Makela means Hill place. Mäkelä joins mäki, “hill,” with the place-ending -lä.
Where does the surname Makela come from?
Makela is a surname of Finnish origin.
What kind of surname is Makela?
Makela is a toponymic surname, originally describing where the bearer lived or came from.
How common is the surname Makela in the United States?
Makela ranks #18,892 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 1,337 people.