Michelle
Michelle first appears in US records in 1915. It peaked in 1969, when 34,319 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 661.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Michelle popular?
Declining Michelle is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1969 peak.
| 2020s | 4,751 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 17,358 | |
| 2000s | 43,540 | |
| 1990s | 86,532 | |
| 1980s | 154,027 | |
| 1970s | 249,130 | |
| 1960s | 208,293 | |
| 1950s | 46,779 | |
| 1940s | 5,693 | |
| 1930s | 293 | |
| 1920s | 97 | |
| 1910s | 17 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Michelle mean?
Michelle is the French feminine form of Michel (Michael), from the Hebrew rhetorical question “Who is like God?” The Beatles’ 1965 song of the same name helped make it a global favourite.
Nicknames for Michelle
- Shelly
- Mich
- Mimi
Variants & spellings
- Michele
- Michèle
- Micheline
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Michelle a boy or a girl name?
Michelle is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Michelle a popular name right now?
Michelle is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1969 peak.
How popular is the name Michelle?
In 2025, Michelle ranked #465 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Michelle most popular?
Michelle was most popular in 1969, when about 34,319 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Michelle?
Common nicknames for Michelle include Shelly, Mich, Mimi.