Michael sits comfortably in the UK charts at #85 in 2024 — recognisable but not overwhelming. Your child may occasionally share their name.
Origin & Meaning
Hebrew — Who is like God?
📊
UK Rank 2024
#85
US Rank #18
About the Name Michael
Michael is holding steady in the rankings at #85. It reached its peak of #22 in 1996 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has spent 29 of the last 29 years inside the UK top 100 — a mark of enduring mainstream appeal.
Etymologically, Michael comes from Hebrew, where it means "Who is like God?". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Michael is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it ranks even higher at #18, where it enjoys a particularly strong following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Michael
Unlikely. With around 626 UK babies named Michael per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Michael in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Michael has held a stable position around #85 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #22 in 1996 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Michael has Hebrew origins and means "Who is like God?". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Michael include: Michael Irby — Michael Clinton Irby is an American actor known for portraying Sergeant First Class Charles Grey in the CBS series The Unit, and more recently, for his work as...; Sean Cameron Michael — Sean Cameron Michael (aka Sean C.; Michael Michael — Michael Michael is the ex-boss of a criminal empire called the Organisation which was involved in drug smuggling, prostitution and money laundering..
Yes — Michael is very popular in the United States, ranked #18 in 2024. It's a transatlantic favourite used widely on both sides of the Atlantic.
626
UK babies named Michael (2024)
~0.0
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.3
In a school of 600
↓ 11 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Michael
Likely around 1 other Michael in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Michael
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Michael Clinton Irby is an American actor known for portraying Sergeant First Class Charles Grey in the CBS series The Unit, and more recently, for his work as Obispo 'Bishop' Losa in Mayans M.C. and Cristobal Sifuentes on the HBO series Barry.
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