Michael Name Meaning and Origin

Language	Equivalent Name
Spanish	Miguel
French	Michel
Russian	Mikhail
Polish	Michał
Italian	Michele
Portuguese	Miguel
Irish	Mícheál
Hungarian	Mihály
Romanian	Mihai
Czech/Slovak	Michal
Ukrainian	Mykhailo
Bulgarian	Mihail
Swedish/Danish/Norwegian	Mikael

Michael Jackson Musician · Born 1958 · United States Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, was a groundbreaking musician from the United States. He is most famous for his hit songs like 'Thriller', 'Billie Jean', and 'Beat It'. His influence on music and dance continues to be felt worldwide.	Michael D. Higgins Politician · Born 1941 · Ireland Michael D. Higgins is the President of Ireland, having taken office in 2011. Known for his advocacy for human rights and social equality, he has also published several books of poetry and essays.	Michael Bloomberg Politician · Born 1942 · United States Michael Bloomberg is best known as the former mayor of New York City, serving from 2002 to 2013. He is also a successful businessman, having founded Bloomberg L.P., a global financial services and media company. In addition, Bloomberg has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, focusing on public health and education.
Michael I of Russia Royal · Born 1596 · Tsardom of Russia Michael I of Russia was the first Tsar of the Romanov dynasty, ascending to the throne in 1613. He is most famous for establishing the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia for over 300 years. His reign marked the end of the Time of Troubles, a period of political crisis in Russia.	Michael I of Romania Royal · Born 1921 · Switzerland Michael I of Romania was the last king of Romania, known for his reign during a turbulent period in the country's history. He played a crucial role in the events of World War II by leading a coup against the pro-Nazi government in 1944. After being forced to abdicate in 1947, he lived in exile in Switzerland for many years.	Micheál Martin Politician · Born 1960 · Ireland Micheál Martin is an Irish politician who served as the Taoiseach of Ireland from 2020 to 2022. He is a member of the Fianna Fáil party and has been a prominent figure in Irish politics for several decades. Martin has also held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Health.

Makarios III

Politician · Born 1913 · Cyprus

Makarios III, born Michael Christodoulou Mouskos, is best known as the first president of Cyprus and a key figure in the country’s independence from British rule. He was also Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus from 1950 to 1977 and is widely remembered as the founding father, or "Ethnarch," of the Republic of Cyprus.

Michael VIII Palaiologos

Politician · Born 1224 · Byzantine Empire

Michael VIII Palaiologos was a Byzantine emperor best known for restoring the Byzantine Empire by recapturing Constantinople in 1261. His reign marked the beginning of the Palaiologan dynasty, which was the last ruling dynasty of the Byzantine Empire. He played a crucial role in the empire's political and cultural revival during the late Middle Ages.

Michael I Rangabe

Politician · Born 770 · Byzantine Empire

Michael I Rangabe was a Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 811 to 813. He is most famous for his involvement in the Battle of Versinikia, where his forces were defeated by the Bulgarians. His reign ended when he was forced to abdicate in favor of Leo V the Armenian.

Michel Legrand

Musician · Born 1932 · United States

Michel Legrand was a talented musician known for his work as a composer and conductor. He gained fame for his film scores, including 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' and 'The Thomas Crown Affair'. His music often blended jazz with classical elements, creating a unique and memorable sound.

Mykhailo Hrushevskyi

Politician · Born 1866 · Russian Empire

Mykhailo Hrushevskyi was a prominent Ukrainian historian and politician, best known for his role as the head of the Central Rada, the parliament of the Ukrainian People's Republic, during the tumultuous period following the Russian Revolution. He played a crucial part in the development of Ukrainian national identity and historical scholarship.

Michael Sata

Politician · Born 1937 · Zambia

Michael Sata was a prominent Zambian politician who served as the President of Zambia from 2011 until his death in 2014. He was known for his strong leadership style and his focus on infrastructure development and anti-corruption efforts. Sata was a key figure in Zambian politics and played a significant role in shaping the country's modern political landscape.

Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly

Politician · Born 1761 · Russian Empire

Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly was a prominent military leader and politician in the Russian Empire, best known for his role as the Russian Minister of War during the Napoleonic Wars. He played a crucial part in the strategic retreat that helped to defeat Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812. His leadership and tactics were instrumental in preserving the Russian army during this critical period.

Michael Cera

Musician · Born 1988 · Canada

Michael Cera is a Canadian actor and musician best known for his role as George Michael Bluth in the television series Arrested Development. He also starred in films like Superbad and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, which showcased his unique comedic style.

Michael Psellos

Politician · Born 1018 · Byzantine Empire

Michael Psellos was a prominent Byzantine scholar and politician, best known for his work in philosophy and history during the 11th century. He played a crucial role in the intellectual revival of the Byzantine Empire and authored 'Chronographia', a significant historical narrative of his time.

Michael V Kalaphates

Royal · Born 1015 · Byzantine Empire

Michael V Kalaphates was a Byzantine emperor who reigned from 1041 to 1042. He is most famous for his short and tumultuous rule, which ended with his deposition and blinding. His reign was marked by political intrigue and conflict with the powerful Byzantine aristocracy.

Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich of Russia

Politician · Born 1878 · Russian Empire

Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich of Russia was a prominent figure in the Russian Empire, best known for being the younger brother of Tsar Nicholas II. He played a significant role during the tumultuous times leading up to the Russian Revolution. Despite his royal status, he faced a tragic end after being arrested and executed in 1918.

Michael IX Palaiologos

Royal · Born 1277 · Byzantine Empire

Michael IX Palaiologos was a Byzantine emperor best known for ruling as co-emperor with his father, Andronikos II Palaiologos. He held the title of autokrator and ruled alongside him from 1294 until his death in 1320.

Michael Moorcock

Musician · Born 1939 · United Kingdom

Michael Moorcock is best known as a prolific author from the United Kingdom, particularly famous for his fantasy and science fiction works. He created the character Elric of Melniboné, a central figure in his Eternal Champion series. Moorcock's influence extends beyond literature, as he has also collaborated with bands like Hawkwind.

The Miz

Actor · Born 1980 · United States

Michael Gregory Mizanin, better known as The Miz, is most famous as a WWE professional wrestler and TV personality. He has been with WWE since 2004 and performs on the SmackDown brand, and he is also known for shows like The Real World and Miz & Mrs.

Michael Gove

Politician · Born 1967 · United Kingdom

Michael Gove is a British politician known for his role in the United Kingdom's government. He has held various positions, including Secretary of State for Education and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Gove played a significant part in the Brexit campaign and has been a prominent figure in UK politics since the early 2000s.

Michael Dukakis

Politician · Born 1933 · United States

Michael Dukakis is best known for being the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 1988. He served as the Governor of Massachusetts and is remembered for his focus on economic development and environmental issues during his tenure.

Michael the Brave

Politician|royal · Born 1558 · Principality of Transylvania

Michael the Brave was a significant figure in Romanian history, known for uniting Wallachia, Transylvania, and Moldavia under his rule in 1600. His leadership and military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy marked a pivotal moment in the region's history. He is often remembered as a symbol of unity and resistance in Romanian culture.

Michael Somare

Politician · Born 1936 · Papua New Guinea

Michael Somare, often called the 'Father of the Nation', was a pivotal figure in Papua New Guinea's history as he led the country to independence in 1975. Serving as the first Prime Minister, his political career spanned several decades, during which he played a crucial role in shaping the nation's identity and governance.

Michael Hainisch

Politician · Born 1858 · Austria

Michael Hainisch was an Austrian politician who served as the second President of Austria from 1920 to 1928. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the country during the early years of the First Austrian Republic. Hainisch was known for his efforts to promote economic recovery and social harmony in post-World War I Austria.

J. Michael Straczynski

Actor · Born 1954 · United States

J. Michael Straczynski is best known as a filmmaker, television creator, and comic book writer. He created Babylon 5 and wrote for Sense8 and Changeling, and he is also the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd.

Michael McKean

Musician · Born 1947 · United States

Michael McKean is best known for his role as David St. Hubbins in the mockumentary film 'This Is Spinal Tap'. He is also recognized for his work on the television show 'Laverne & Shirley' and his role as Chuck McGill in the series 'Better Call Saul'. In addition to acting, McKean is a talented musician and has contributed to the music of 'Spinal Tap'.

Anthony Michael Hall

Actor · Born 1968 · United States

Anthony Michael Hall is an American actor best known for his roles in classic 1980s films like 'The Breakfast Club' and 'Sixteen Candles'. He became a prominent figure in the teen film genre during that decade. Hall's performance in 'Weird Science' also contributed to his fame.

Yelawolf

Actor · Born 1979 · United States

Michael Wayne Atha, better known as Yelawolf, is an American rapper best known for songs like “Pop the Trunk,” “Till It’s Gone,” and “Best Friend.” Born in Gadsden, Alabama, and raised in Antioch, Tennessee, he began his recording career in 2005 and built early momentum by releasing four mixtapes that got strong local attention.

Jan-Michael Vincent

Actor · Born 1944 · United States

Michael Vincent was an American actor best known for his film work in the 1970s. He starred in movies like The Mechanic, Big Wednesday, and Going Home, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Michael Rice

Musician · Born 1997 · United Kingdom

Michael Rice is a British musician best known for representing the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with the song 'Bigger Than Us'. Born in 1997, he gained initial fame by winning the BBC talent show 'All Together Now' in 2018.

Michael II Asen

Royal · Born 1238

Michael II Asen is best known as a medieval Bulgarian tsar who ruled Bulgaria from 1246 to 1256 or 1257. Born around 1239, he became emperor at a young age and reigned until his death in late 1256 or early 1257.

Michael Kiwanuka

Musician · Born 1988 · United Kingdom

Michael Kiwanuka is a British musician known for his soulful voice and rich musical style. He gained fame with songs like 'Cold Little Heart' and 'Home Again'. His work often blends elements of folk, rock, and soul, captivating audiences worldwide.

Mychailo of Chernigiv

Royal · Born 1185

Mychailo of Chernigiv, also known as Michael of Chernigov, was a prominent figure in medieval Rus', known for his role as a prince of Chernigov. He is most famous for his principled stand against the Mongol Empire, which led to his martyrdom in 1246. His legacy is remembered in Eastern Orthodox tradition as a saint and a symbol of resistance.

Name	Last Name(s)	Mother	Mother famous for	Fame Level	Father	Father famous for	Fame Level
Michael	Reagan				Ronald Reagan	television actor	★★★★★
Michael	Chaplin				Charlie Chaplin	film director	★★★★★
Michael	Wilding Jr.	Elizabeth Taylor	television actor	★★★★★	Michael Wilding	television actor	★★★★★
Michael	Wayne				John Wayne	film director	★★★★★
Michael	Douglas				Kirk Douglas	film director	★★★★★
Michael	Wahlberg	Rhea Durham	model	★★★★★	Mark Wahlberg	television actor	★★★★★
Michael	Gandolfini				James Gandolfini	television actor	★★★★★
Michael	Sellers				Peter Sellers	film director	★★★★★
Michael	Mailer				Norman Mailer	film director	★★★★★
Michael	Attenborough				Richard Attenborough	film director	★★★★★
Michael	Gerald Ford	Betty Ford	model	★★★★★
Michael	Pärt				Arvo Pärt	musician	★★★★★
Michael	Rooney				Mickey Rooney	film director	★★★★★
Michael	Barenboim				Daniel Barenboim	musician	★★★★★
Michael	Turner				Ike Turner	singer	★★★★★
Michael	Stockton				John Stockton	basketball player	★★★★★
Michael					Moses Malone	basketball player	★★★★★
Michael	Lindsay-Hogg	Geraldine Fitzgerald	television actor	★★★★★

Michael – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country	Gender	Year	Rank	Born	of
Ireland	Boys	2025	#1	—	836
Germany	Boys	2025	#1	—	423
Austria		0	#1	1,007	850
Austria	Boys	0	#1	14,146	2,180
Germany		0	#1	4,137	2,542
Germany	Boys	0	#1	70,699	5,697
DK	Boys	0	#1	4,933	7,401
CN		0	#2	134	3,857
JM		0	#3	148	3,714
PH		0	#3	166	5,607
PH	Boys	0	#3	2,410	11,440
ZA		0	#3	1,535	14,421
DK		0	#4	812	5,198
JM	Boys	0	#4	1,588	6,876
NA		0	#4	37	2,537
CN	Boys	0	#5	1,872	9,639
FJ		0	#6	1	374
IL	Boys	0	#6	6,968	10,983
NG		0	#6	753	5,926
ZA	Boys	0	#7	20,212	25,619
KR		0	#8	1	201
MO	Boys	0	#8	556	5,842
KH	Boys	0	#9	1	270
MO		0	#9	44	2,706
MT	Boys	0	#9	549	4,064
HK	Boys	0	#10	5,951	12,905
NA	Boys	0	#10	865	6,830
TW	Boys	0	#10	785	7,111
MT		0	#11	34	1,767
SG	Boys	0	#11	4,404	17,960
FJ	Boys	0	#12	6	603
GH	Boys	0	#12	4,031	8,138
HK		0	#12	792	8,483
HT		0	#12	1	399
CY	Boys	0	#13	399	3,473
TW		0	#13	99	4,523
BW	Boys	0	#14	269	4,685
BW		0	#14	6	960
PS	Boys	0	#15	4,091	10,655
BN		0	#16	16	2,297
GH		0	#16	663	5,396
NG	Boys	0	#16	22,283	16,906
SG		0	#16	457	11,010
CR		0	#17	211	5,526
CY		0	#17	57	1,632
United States	Boys	2024	#18	8,189	7,044
PS		0	#18	388	5,692
KR	Boys	0	#20	8	897
ET	Boys	0	#21	7	678
HN		0	#22	1	704
ID		0	#22	18	2,238
IL		0	#22	686	6,291
JP		0	#24	56	4,057
QA		0	#24	92	7,011
BF	Boys	0	#26	1	439
AE		0	#27	201	10,220
SV	Boys	0	#28	1	352
LU		0	#30	37	2,830
CR	Boys	0	#32	3,480	10,188
HT	Boys	0	#32	3	903
ID	Boys	0	#32	130	4,130
PR	Boys	0	#33	329	2,508
TM	Boys	0	#33	4	614
BN	Boys	0	#35	123	6,332
DJ	Boys	0	#35	2	657
EE		0	#36	2	1,051
CM		0	#38	18	2,592
HN	Girls	0	#38	1	884
BI	Boys	0	#39	6	917
GR	Boys	0	#39	670	6,912
NL	Boys	2014	#40	49	79
NL	Boys	0	#41	10,337	5,873
New Zealand	Boys	2010	#42	112	99
MY		0	#42	424	12,352
PR		0	#42	14	1,497
Austria	Boys	2024	#43	190	60
GR		0	#43	139	3,911
MY	Boys	0	#44	6,678	25,439
NL		0	#44	618	2,481
CZ	Boys	0	#46	1,842	6,530
HN	Boys	0	#50	3	749
Canada	Boys	2024	#53	462	2,588
LU	Boys	0	#54	270	4,970
MV	Boys	0	#57	21	3,375
OM		0	#59	59	6,215
IN		0	#64	8	2,963
KW		0	#64	53	5,216
MU	Boys	0	#67	560	8,477
AO		0	#73	5	2,729
RU	Boys	0	#73	2,090	12,621
AF		0	#75	2	1,883
AL		0	#75	2	2,372
JP	Boys	0	#75	329	7,909
MD	Boys	0	#77	5	756
SI		0	#79	2	1,612
BG		0	#80	3	1,799
PA		0	#83	48	3,797
CM	Boys	0	#84	1,470	12,054
EG	Boys	0	#85	12,597	15,035
EG		0	#85	1,028	6,387
EC		0	#86	30	2,502
SA		0	#87	266	10,560
LT		0	#88	1	949
SD		0	#88	13	2,130
CZ		0	#90	147	3,154
KZ		0	#91	4	1,452
Switzerland	Boys	2024	#92	46	1,769
EC	Boys	0	#95	275	3,322
GE	Boys	0	#96	14	2,055
EE	Boys	0	#101	25	2,087
PA	Boys	0	#101	1,121	9,305
MU		0	#103	34	3,613
IT	Boys	0	#105	25,503	10,046
HU		0	#109	7	1,675
QA	Boys	0	#110	1,248	18,093
Norway	Boys	2025	#112	23	444
BN	Girls	0	#112	3	5,459
IR		0	#112	146	4,221
RU		0	#112	92	3,641
PE	Boys	0	#113	5,256	14,506
IR	Boys	0	#115	1,880	10,162
HU	Boys	0	#117	64	3,954
CL	Boys	0	#120	3,653	13,390
CY	Girls	0	#121	5	3,755
CO	Boys	0	#122	7,957	15,656
SD	Boys	0	#124	585	10,523
JO		0	#125	13	2,158
PL	Boys	0	#126	475	6,459
AZ	Boys	0	#128	4	1,400
IQ		0	#129	5	3,533
LT	Boys	0	#131	20	2,166
UY	Boys	0	#132	839	5,922
PT	Boys	0	#133	465	7,951
RS	Girls	0	#136	2	1,651
RS	Boys	0	#141	14	2,277
BW	Girls	0	#147	5	4,216
BR	Boys	0	#150	2,740	12,213
MT	Girls	0	#150	4	3,773
BG	Boys	0	#155	67	3,850
UY		0	#157	21	2,477
AO	Boys	0	#159	86	5,568
HR	Boys	0	#159	124	3,997
Belgium	Boys	2024	#163	26	401
Sweden	Boys	2022	#163	20	1,509
PR	Girls	0	#164	4	3,171
HR		0	#166	14	2,081
PE		0	#166	160	6,350
BO	Boys	0	#170	1,126	9,244
KW	Boys	0	#170	1,123	18,755
PL		0	#172	42	2,600
Finland	Boys	0	#179	372	2,041
KZ	Boys	0	#182	116	6,578
AR		0	#187	7	2,915
LU	Girls	0	#189	2	4,850
SI	Boys	0	#191	19	3,402
AE	Boys	0	#194	2,330	22,615
NA	Girls	0	#195	30	7,146
GT	Boys	0	#196	458	7,625
PT		0	#197	50	4,161
CO		0	#200	441	7,768
Spain	Boys	0	#200	2,416	5,610
IT		0	#201	1,317	4,183
BD		0	#204	24	5,992
AO	Girls	0	#216	2	4,575
CL		0	#216	233	6,867
JO	Boys	0	#219	194	7,057
AL	Girls	0	#227	1	4,141
BG	Girls	0	#231	1	3,559
JM	Girls	0	#237	23	7,507
BO		0	#243	141	6,868
Finland	Boys	2026	#244	1,290	3,552
GT		0	#246	69	5,948
JP	Girls	0	#246	6	6,592
GR	Girls	0	#249	1	6,293
BR		0	#252	95	5,969
Finland		0	#254	54	830
EC	Girls	0	#257	2	3,650
MO	Girls	0	#257	7	7,056
AF	Boys	0	#259	12	3,535
NG	Girls	0	#259	1,064	15,093
Spain		0	#261	208	2,326
BH		0	#265	323	17,937
GH	Girls	0	#268	57	6,973
AL	Boys	0	#273	26	5,122
AR	Boys	0	#286	230	7,628
TW	Girls	0	#286	4	8,139
Canada	Girls	2006	#288	8	2,679
HR	Girls	0	#293	2	3,687
QA	Girls	0	#295	22	15,378
SA	Boys	0	#300	4,541	28,008
DK	Girls	0	#307	10	7,429
LB		0	#307	461	13,263
MX	Boys	0	#310	1,633	16,355
OM	Boys	0	#320	838	17,948
France	Boys	2021	#323	65	2,865
CZ	Girls	0	#328	14	5,378
KZ	Girls	0	#328	5	5,862
YE		0	#332	50	8,639
SD	Girls	0	#333	13	7,678
JO	Girls	0	#334	6	7,570
CN	Girls	0	#338	12	8,829
MX		0	#353	61	8,339
MU	Girls	0	#356	7	8,539
PH	Girls	0	#360	31	13,098
LY		0	#362	179	12,703
PL	Girls	0	#364	1	5,096
OM	Girls	0	#370	27	15,987
France	Girls	2001	#387	3	2,681
Austria	Girls	0	#397	24	1,885
BD	Girls	0	#403	4	8,413
SY		0	#404	390	11,684
IQ	Boys	0	#428	257	13,071
BD	Boys	0	#441	140	10,045
CM	Girls	0	#450	91	11,671
PA	Girls	0	#462	20	9,861
PT	Girls	0	#471	1	7,952
KW	Girls	0	#475	41	19,177
RU	Girls	0	#475	24	11,913
GT	Girls	0	#492	14	7,500
PS	Girls	0	#500	24	10,981
CR	Girls	0	#513	20	11,342
AE	Girls	0	#514	40	20,968
IR	Girls	0	#514	17	8,334
IQ	Girls	0	#517	9	11,303
UY	Girls	0	#528	9	6,731
SG	Girls	0	#544	43	18,916
HK	Girls	0	#566	50	16,104
IL	Girls	0	#570	48	11,648
BO	Girls	0	#598	14	9,488
IN	Boys	0	#604	428	16,750
AR	Girls	0	#622	9	8,289
IN	Girls	0	#648	7	13,121
Germany	Girls	0	#688	152	4,949
TN		0	#704	126	13,765
Finland	Girls	2026	#734	5	3,895
CL	Girls	0	#817	35	14,098
SA	Girls	0	#830	106	25,931
MA		0	#832	302	20,986
TR		0	#833	425	19,440
ZA	Girls	0	#839	309	25,928
DZ		0	#850	333	20,130
EG	Girls	0	#881	79	14,742
PE	Girls	0	#888	56	14,861
MY	Girls	0	#893	102	24,821
United States	Girls	2024	#902	15	8,487
BR	Girls	0	#915	27	12,708
NL	Girls	0	#918	38	5,933
CO	Girls	0	#931	148	16,140
Spain	Girls	0	#959	25	5,561
MX	Girls	0	#1,055	129	17,781
IT	Girls	0	#1,286	161	9,415

Michael is popular in 103 countries — most recent births per country:

France

Norway

Ireland

Scotland, United Kingdom

Austria

Canada

Flanders, Belgium

Belgium

England & Wales, United Kingdom

New South Wales, Australia

Switzerland

Sweden

United States

Brussels, Belgium

Germany

New York City (Asian & Pacific Islander), United States

New York City (Black, non-Hispanic), United States

New York City (Hispanic), United States

New York City (White, non-Hispanic), United States

New Zealand

Wallonia, Belgium

Austria

Germany

Spain

Finland

Please login to shortlist a name

Shortlist Name Form

Michael as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Michael

What is the meaning of the name Michael ?

Michael has the following similar or variant Names

Michael in Other Languages

Famous people with the name Michael