Michael: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced MY-kuhl · 2 syllables
Michael means “who is like God?”, from Hebrew.
From Middle English Michael, from Old French Michel, Old English Michahel, from their source Latin Michael, Michahel, from Ancient Greek (Mikhael), from Biblical Hebrew (mika el, literally “who is like God?”). Doublet of Miguel and Mikhail.
- Meaning
- who is like God?
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- MY-kuhl
- US rank (2025)
- #21
- US babies a year
- about 8,582 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1960
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Mike, Mikey
How popular is Michael?
Michael was the #21 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,107 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 46% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1960.
Most popular in New Jersey (#7), Pennsylvania (#10).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #21 |
| England & Wales | #74 |
| Scotland | #65 |
| Northern Ireland | #37 |
| Ireland | #23 |
| France | #544 |
| Norway | #192 |
| Canada | #61 |
| Australia | #104 |
How old are people named Michael?
Half of US adults named Michael are older than 53; most are between 25 and 77. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Michael
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Michael have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Michael
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Michael
What does the name Michael mean?
Michael means “who is like God?”. It comes from Hebrew.
How do you pronounce Michael?
Michael is pronounced MY-kuhl.
How popular is the name Michael?
Michael was the #21 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,107 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 46% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1960.
How old are people named Michael?
Half of US adults named Michael are older than 53. Most are between 25 and 77.