Michael
Michael: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmaɪkəl/ · [ˈmɐɪ.kɫ̩]
Meaning and origin of Michael
- A male given name from Hebrew.
- A surname transferred from the given name.
Etymology
From Middle English Michael, from Old French Michel, Old English Michahel, from their source Latin Michaēl, Michāhēl, from Ancient Greek Μῐχᾱήλ (Mĭkhāḗl), from Biblical Hebrew מִיכָאֵל (mîḵāʾēl, literally “who is like God?”). Doublet of Miguel and Mikhail.
How popular is Michael?
Since 1880, 21,880 girls and 4,426,753 boys in the U.S. have been named Michael (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #373 in 1975. Its highest rank for boys was #1 in 1954. In 2025 it ranked #21 for boys, with 8,107 babies given the name.
Names similar to Michael
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew boy names
Sibling name ideas for Michael
Sister and brother names that share Michael's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Michael FAQ
What does the name Michael mean?
A male given name from Hebrew. A surname transferred from the given name. From Middle English Michael, from Old French Michel, Old English Michahel, from their source Latin Michaēl, Michāhēl, from Ancient Greek Μῐχᾱήλ (Mĭkhāḗl), from Biblical Hebrew מִיכָאֵל (mîḵāʾēl, literally “who is like God?”). Doublet of Miguel and Mikhail.
What is the origin of the name Michael?
Michael is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Michael?
Since 1880, 21,880 girls and 4,426,753 boys in the U.S. have been named Michael (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #373 in 1975. Its highest rank for boys was #1 in 1954. In 2025 it ranked #21 for boys, with 8,107 babies given the name.
Is Michael a boy or girl name?
Michael is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 21,880 girls and 4,426,753 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.