Michael

Meaning: Who is like God?
Origin: English (from Hebrew via Greek and Latin)

Nicknames: Mike, Mickey, Mick, Mikey, Micky

Boy's name · #21 in the US (2025) · Retro

Popularity over time

Michael was #1 back in 1954, spent 44 years as America's #1 name, and stands at #21 today. About 4.4 million boys have carried it since 1880.

Across the states

See where Michael is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 51 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Michael ranks in other countries and regions.

#22 in Ireland (2025) · #38 in N. Ireland (2025) · #55 in Czechia (2025) · #61 in Austria (2025) · #62 in Australia (NSW) (2025) · #66 in Scotland (2025) · #70 in New Zealand (2025) · #85 in England & Wales (2025) · #99 in Australia (QLD) (2025) · #104 in Puerto Rico (2025) · #153 in Switzerland (2025) · #188 in Ecuador (2025) and 8 more.

Famous Michaels

Michael Jackson — American singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer (1958–2009)
Michael Faraday — British scientist (1791–1867)
Michael Schumacher — German racing driver (born 1969)
Michael Jordan — American basketball player and businessman (born 1963)
Michael Caine — English actor (born 1933)

In stories & tradition

Michael — Paradise Lost (book)
Michael Scofield — Prison Break (TV series)
Michael Myers — Halloween (film series)

What Michaels become

Among 34,771 notable people named Michael:

Scientists & scholars appear 1.58× more often than among typical names — e.g. Michael Faraday, British scientist (1791–1867).

Twin names

Popular twin pairings with Michael include Matthew, Gabriel, and Daniel for boys, and Madison, Michelle, and Isabella for girls.

Spellings & nicknames

About 190 boys a year are given Mike as their full name and 92 Mickey.

Similar names: Christopher · Micah · David · Daniel · Matthew · Samuel

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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