Meaning, origin, history
Mika is a name of Finnish origin, meaning "a gift from God." It is derived from the Finnish word "mikä," which means "what?" or "which?" The name Mika was traditionally given to boys in Finland, but it has since become unisex and is used for both males and females around the world.
The name Mika gained popularity outside of Finland in the late 20th century, likely due to the success of Finnish singer Mika Karppinen, who is known professionally as "Mika" and won several awards for his music. However, the name has a long history in Finland and was used well before Mika Karppinen became famous.
Despite its origin, Mika is not exclusively used in Finland. It can be found throughout Europe and beyond, with notable bearers including Mika Häkkinen, a Finnish Formula One racing driver who won two world championships, and Mikael Persbrandt, a Swedish actor known for his roles in films such as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Mika since 1880
Total births
1,282
Total since 1880
Peak year
2019
50 births
in 2023
49
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+27%
↗
vs previous 5 years