Michael
Michael is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Who is like God”, pronounced MY-kul. It ranked #21 in the United States in 2025, given to 8,094 babies, and peaked at #1 in 1954. Common nicknames: Mike, Mikey, Mick.
How popular is Michael in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Michael mean, and where does it come from?
Michael comes from the Hebrew "Mikha'el," a rhetorical question meaning "Who is like God?" In the Bible, Michael is one of the archangels, described as the leader of heaven's armies in the Book of Revelation. He is venerated as a protector and warrior in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Michael was the single most popular boy name in the United States for an extraordinary 44 consecutive years, from 1954 to 1998 — an unmatched record. Though it has since ceded the top spot, Michael remains one of the most recognizable and widely used names in the Western world, carried by kings, saints, athletes, and artists across every era.
How is Michael used around the world?
Michael is used in 9 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
Female FormMichaela
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Michael?
Famous People Named Michael
- Michael Jordan — American basketball legend
- Michael Jackson — American singer known as the King of Pop
- Michelangelo — Italian Renaissance artist and sculptor
Similar Names to Michael
If you like Michael, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Michael
Looking for names that pair well with Michael? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Michael mean?
Michael is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Who is like God." Michael comes from the Hebrew "Mikha'el," a rhetorical question meaning "Who is like God?" In the Bible, Michael is one of the archangels, described as the leader of heaven's armies in the Book of Revelation. He is venerated as a protector and warrior in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
How do you pronounce Michael?
Michael is pronounced MY-kul. Common variations include Michel, Miguel, Mikhail.
Is Michael a boy name?
Yes, Michael is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Mike, Mikey, Mick.