The nameMichael
Michael is a boy's name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?". It was the most popular boys' name in the United States for over forty years.
- Boy's name
- Hebrew
- Feast day
Meaning
Michael comes from the Hebrew Mikha'el, "who is like God?", a question meant to say that no one is equal to God.
Origin
Hebrew. Michael is the archangel who leads the heavenly armies against the dragon in the Book of Revelation. The French form is Michel.
History
Michael was the top boys' name in the United States almost every year from 1954 to 1998, with only 1960 going to David. It was also hugely popular in Britain, Ireland and Australia. Mike, Mikey and Mick are its usual short forms.
Michael in other languages
Michael is spelled the same in English and German. It is Michel in French, Michele in Italian, Miguel in Spanish and Portuguese, Michał in Polish, Mikhail in Russian and Mikael in the Nordic countries.
Nicknames for Michael
The most common nicknames for Michael: Mike, Mikey and Mick.
Did you know?
- Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction in 1831, the principle behind electric generators.
- Michael Jackson's Thriller, released in 1982, is considered the best selling album of all time.
- Michael Jordan won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.
Famous people named Michael
- Saint Michael the Archangel
- Michael Jackson, singer
- Michael Jordan, basketball player
- Michael Faraday, scientist
Popularity of the name Michael
Michael in the United States
Michael was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 839,779 births over the decade, 19% of all recorded babies named Michael. Its rise began around 1939, and it peaked in 1957. Half of all babies named Michael in the United States were born before 1970, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 8,912 births a year on average, against 12,776 in the five years before.
Michael in the United Kingdom
Michael was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 22,197 births over the decade, 42% of all recorded babies named Michael. Half of all babies named Michael in the United Kingdom were born before 2005, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 768 births a year on average, against 1,062 in the five years before.
Michael in Ireland
Michael in France
Michael in Belgium
Michael in Switzerland
Michael in Austria
Michael in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Michael
Names from the same generation as Michael, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Michael? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Michael with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Michael side by side with the name of your choice.
Michael in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Michael mean?
Michael comes from the Hebrew Mikha'el, "who is like God?", a question meant to say that no one is equal to God.
What is the origin of the name Michael?
Hebrew. Michael is the archangel who leads the heavenly armies against the dragon in the Book of Revelation. The French form is Michel.
Is Michael a girl's or a boy's name?
Michael is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Michael?
In 2024, Michael was the 18th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 8,189 births.
What are the variants of the name Michael?
Variants and related names of Michael include Michele, Michelle, Mike and Mikko.
What are good sibling names for Michael?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Anna, Elizabeth, Maria and Mary for a sister, Matthew, Joseph, Jacob and John for a brother.
What are common nicknames for Michael?
The most common nicknames for Michael are Mike, Mikey and Mick.
Who are famous people named Michael?
Saint Michael the Archangel; Michael Jackson, singer; Michael Jordan, basketball player; Michael Faraday, scientist.