The etymology of this genus name derives from a combination of letters inspired by the Suriname native name Maka-alata for spiny rats.[2]
Makalata is the sister genus to Echimys and Phyllomys. These taxa are closely related to the genera Pattonomys and Toromys, reflecting the fact Pattonomys occasius and Toromys grandis have been placed in Makalata by some authorities.[3][4] In turn, these five genera share phylogenetic affinities with a clade containing the bamboo rats Dactylomys, Olallamys, Kannabateomys together with Diplomys and Santamartamys.[5]