Michael
Michael first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1957, when 92,781 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 8,094.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Michael popular?
Declining Michael is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1957 peak.
| 2020s | 52,631 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 145,220 | |
| 2000s | 250,715 | |
| 1990s | 462,466 | |
| 1980s | 663,807 | |
| 1970s | 707,327 | |
| 1960s | 833,092 | |
| 1950s | 837,471 | |
| 1940s | 336,568 | |
| 1930s | 56,001 | |
| 1920s | 37,893 | |
| 1910s | 30,858 | |
| 1900s | 5,220 | |
| 1890s | 3,926 | |
| 1880s | 3,558 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Michael mean?
Michael comes from the Hebrew rhetorical question mi-ka-el, “Who is like God?” Michael is named in scripture as an archangel, and the name has been a perennial favourite for boys across the Christian world.
Nicknames for Michael
- Mike
- Mikey
- Mick
Variants & spellings
- Micheal
- Mikael
- Michal
Names like Michael
Hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Michael
Popular Hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Michael
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Michael mean?
Michael means Who is like God?. Michael comes from the Hebrew rhetorical question mi-ka-el, “Who is like God?” Michael is named in scripture as an archangel, and the name has been a perennial favourite for boys across the Christian world.
What is the origin of the name Michael?
Michael is of Hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Michael?
Michael is pronounced “MY-kul.”
Is Michael a boy or a girl name?
Michael is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Michael a popular name right now?
Michael is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1957 peak.
How popular is the name Michael?
In 2025, Michael ranked #21 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Michael most popular?
Michael was most popular in 1957, when about 92,781 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Michael?
Common nicknames for Michael include Mike, Mikey, Mick.
What names are similar to Michael?
Names similar to Michael include Gabriel, Raphael, Daniel, Nathaniel.
What names go well with Michael?
Hebrew names that pair well with Michael include James, John, David, Mary, Matthew.