Michel
Michel: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /mɪˈʃɛl/
Meaning and origin of Michel
- A male given name from French, equivalent to English Michael.
Etymology
Biblical Hebrew מִי (mí) Biblical Hebrew כַּ־ (ka-) Biblical Hebrew אֵל (él) Middle English Michel Either a reborrowing of French Michel or a continuation (with pronunciation influenced by Modern French) of Middle English Michel, both from Old French Michel, from Latin Michāēl, borrowed from Koine Greek Μῐχᾱήλ (Mĭkhāḗl), from Biblical Hebrew מִיכָאֵל (mîḵāʾēl, literally “who is like God?”). Doublet of Michael, Miguel, and Mikhail.
How popular is Michel?
Since 1880, 3,555 girls and 10,539 boys in the U.S. have been named Michel (25% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1127 in 1966. Its highest rank for boys was #458 in 1957. In 2025, 31 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Michel
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More French unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Michel
Sister and brother names that share Michel's French roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Michel FAQ
What does the name Michel mean?
A male given name from French, equivalent to English Michael. Biblical Hebrew מִי (mí) Biblical Hebrew כַּ־ (ka-) Biblical Hebrew אֵל (él) Middle English Michel Either a reborrowing of French Michel or a continuation (with pronunciation influenced by Modern French) of Middle English Michel, both from Old French Michel, from Latin Michāēl, borrowed from Koine Greek Μῐχᾱήλ (Mĭkhāḗl), from Biblical Hebrew מִיכָאֵל (mîḵāʾēl, literally “who is like God?”). Doublet of Michael, Miguel, and Mikhail.
What is the origin of the name Michel?
Michel is listed as a name of French origin.
How popular is the name Michel?
Since 1880, 3,555 girls and 10,539 boys in the U.S. have been named Michel (25% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1127 in 1966. Its highest rank for boys was #458 in 1957. In 2025, 31 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Michel a boy or girl name?
Michel is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (3,555 girls and 10,539 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.