Misha

♂ Boy

Misha Pronunciation

Misha is pronounced MEE-shah /ˈmi.ʃɑ/Medium

Meaning: Russian pet form of Mikhail (Michael) — from Hebrew Mikha'el, 'who is like God?'; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: Who is like God?: Misha pets the Russian Michael — the archangel. Soft, warm, and beloved (said 'MEE-shah').

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Origin MediumHebrew, Russian

MeaningRussian pet form of Mikhail (Michael) — from Hebrew Mikha'el, 'who is like God?'; here for boys

U.S. rank (2024)#5164 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 592

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Misha is a Russian pet form of Mikhail (Michael) — from Hebrew Mikha'el, 'who is like God?' (the archangel). A soft, warm, beloved name across Russia (Mikhail 'Misha' Baryshnikov; the Moscow Olympics bear); used affectionately for boys (and sometimes girls elsewhere); said 'MEE-shah'.

In the U.S. it appears in Russian families. Rare, who-is-like-God at the root, and warm.

Did you know? Michael means 'who is like God?' (the archangel) — Misha is its beloved Russian pet form (dancer Mikhail 'Misha' Baryshnikov; the 1980 Moscow Olympics mascot), used affectionately for boys.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Misha — Russian pet form

Variations

MikhailMichaelMischa

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Misha…

Mikhail— the full Russian name

Michael— the English form

Sasha— a fellow Russian pet name

Micha— lands in the same popularity range

Simcha— shares the -ha ending

→ See all names like Misha

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

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Misha?

Misha is pronounced MEE-shah (/ˈmi.ʃɑ/). Press play above to hear Misha said aloud.

How do you say Misha?

Misha is said MEE-shah (/ˈmi.ʃɑ/). Press play above to hear Misha said aloud.

What does the name Misha mean?

Misha is the Russian pet form of Michael — 'who is like God?'.

Is Misha a boy or girl name?

Misha is a boy's name in Russian (used for girls elsewhere); this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Misha?

Misha is a rare name in the U.S.