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Michel

♂ Boy

Michel Pronunciation

Michel is pronounced mee-SHEL /miˈʃɛl/High

Meaning: French (and German) form of Michael — Hebrew Mikha'el, 'who is like God?' — the archangel's nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Michael, in French and German tones: Michel means 'who is like God?' — the warrior archangel's name. Borne by Montaigne and a host of greats. Elegant, classic, and continental.

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Origin HighHebrew, French

MeaningFrench (and German) form of Michael — Hebrew Mikha'el, 'who is like God?' — the archangel's name

U.S. rank (2024)#3651 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births31 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1957

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,516

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Michel is the French and German form of Michael — Hebrew Mikha'el, 'who is like God?', the archangel and warrior of heaven. Borne by the philosopher Michel de Montaigne, composer Michel Legrand, and countless others, it is a continental classic.

In the U.S. it appears in French-, German-, and Haitian-heritage families. Uncommon, archangel-rooted, and elegant.

Did you know? The essayist Michel de Montaigne practically invented the modern personal essay — turning this archangel's name into a byword for thoughtful self-reflection.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Michel — etymology

Variations

MichaelMiguelMichele

Nicknames

MichMika

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Michel…

Michael— the English form of the same name

Miguel— the Spanish form

Mikael— the Scandinavian form

Kalel— lands in the same popularity range

Jael— a fellow Hebrew choice

→ See all names like Michel

Browse the whole category: All Hebrew names → · All French names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Michel?

Michel is pronounced mee-SHEL (/miˈʃɛl/). Press play above to hear Michel said aloud.

How do you say Michel?

Michel is said mee-SHEL (/miˈʃɛl/). Press play above to hear Michel said aloud.

What does the name Michel mean?

Michel is the French/German form of Michael, Hebrew for 'who is like God?'.

Is Michel a boy or girl name?

Michel is mainly a boy's name; Michèle is the French feminine.

How popular is Michel?

Michel is an uncommon name in the U.S.