The first name Michael
A boy’s name from Hebrew meaning “who is like god?”.
Pronounced /ˈmaɪkəl/ 2 syllables Male Also a surname
Meaning and origin
Hebrew origin
Michael means “who is like god?” in Hebrew.
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.
From Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Popularity
Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025
In 2025, 615 boys were named Michael, making it the 85th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 1996, with 4,187 births (#22).
Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Michael with other names.
Popularity in the United States
Babies named Michael at birth, 1880–2025
In 2025, 8,094 boys born in the United States were named Michael, the 21st most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1957, when 92,781 were.
US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.
Michael in other languages
Equivalent forms of the name, from Wiktionary
Spelled Michael in Danish, German and Icelandic too.
Nicknames and spellings
Famous people named Michael
2,007 on Wikidata, most written-about first
- Michael JacksonAmerican singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer (1958–2009)
- Michael FaradayBritish scientist (1791–1867)
- Michael JordanAmerican basketball player and businessman (born 1963)
- Michael CaineEnglish actor (born 1933)
- Michael PhelpsAmerican swimmer (born 1985)
- Michael DouglasAmerican actor, producer and activist (born 1944)
- Michael Clarke DuncanAmerican actor (1957–2012)
- Michael CollinsAmerican astronaut (1930–2021)
- Michael BloombergAmerican businessman and politician; 108th Mayor of New York City
- Michael CrichtonAmerican author, screenwriter, film director (1942–2008)
- Michael BallackGerman association football player (born 1976)
- Michael KeatonAmerican actor (born 1951)
More Hebrew boys’ names
Questions
- What does the name Michael mean?
- Michael means “who is like god?” in Hebrew.
- What is the origin of the name Michael?
- 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 the name Michael?
- In 2025, 615 boys born in England and Wales were named Michael, ranking 85th. Its peak was 1996, with 4,187 births.
- What are nicknames for Michael?
- Common nicknames for Michael include Mikey, Mike, Mick, Mickey, Micky, Miki.
- Is Michael a boy's or a girl's name?
- Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 4,448,633 US babies named Michael since 1880 were boys.
- When was Michael most popular?
- 1957 in the United States, when 92,781 babies were named Michael, its highest rank at 1st.
- How do you pronounce Michael?
- Michael is /ˈmaɪkəl/, 2 syllables.
- What are other spellings of Michael?
- Michaell, Mykal and Mish.
- Is Michael also a surname?
- Yes. Michael is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.