Michelle
Michelle: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /mɪˈʃɛl/
Meaning and origin of Michelle
Root meaning: “Michael”
- A female given name from Hebrew, popular from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Etymology
Borrowed from French Michelle, feminine form of French Michel (“Michael”), Hebrew מִיכָאֵל (mikhaél, “who is like God?”). Doublet of Michaela.
How popular is Michelle?
Since 1880, 816,510 girls and 3,250 boys in the U.S. have been named Michelle (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2 in 1968. Its highest rank for boys was #662 in 1968. In 2025 it ranked #465 for girls, with 661 babies given the name.
Names similar to Michelle
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew girl names
Sibling name ideas for Michelle
Sister and brother names that share Michelle's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Michelle FAQ
What does the name Michelle mean?
Michelle traces back to a root meaning "Michael". A female given name from Hebrew, popular from the 1960s to the 1990s. Borrowed from French Michelle, feminine form of French Michel (“Michael”), Hebrew מִיכָאֵל (mikhaél, “who is like God?”). Doublet of Michaela.
What is the origin of the name Michelle?
Michelle is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Michelle?
Since 1880, 816,510 girls and 3,250 boys in the U.S. have been named Michelle (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2 in 1968. Its highest rank for boys was #662 in 1968. In 2025 it ranked #465 for girls, with 661 babies given the name.
Is Michelle a boy or girl name?
Michelle is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 816,510 girls and 3,250 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.