Michelle
French · Girl · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Michelle
Michelle is the feminine form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning "who is like God" or "who resembles God." The name comes from the Hebrew elements *mi* (who) and *el* (God).
Cross-referenced with Wikidata/Wikipedia. AI-assisted, community-reviewable. Suggest an improvement.
Etymology
Michelle is the feminine form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning "who is like God" or "who resembles God." The name comes from the Hebrew elements *mi* (who) and *el* (God).
The name is used predominantly in Christian cultures, particularly in French-speaking regions where the feminine -elle suffix became standard, and has spread widely throughout Europe and North America; it gained particular prominence in the 20th century and is associated with various notable figures across Western societies.
Michelle currently ranks #465 in the United States as a girl's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1969.
Variants & nicknames
Contribute to this name
Help improve this page with a meaning, origin, or correction—and get credited as a contributor.
Share your knowledge about this name—meaning, origin, pronunciation, or correction. Your contribution is reviewed and credited with your name.
Login to contributeWe use Google & Facebook login — no password needed.
Sibling name ideas
French, English, Dutch names that sit beautifully beside MichelleSimilar names you might like
Names starting with MMore names starting with M
- Mads
- Maciej
- Madison
- Mabel
- Mackenzie
- Mae
- Madelyn
- Madalena
- Madeline
- Macarena
- Maarten
- Maaike
- Mael
- Madeleine
- Maddy
- Maddison
- Madhuri
- Mack
Find middle names for Michelle →
🧬 See Michelle's popularity the year you were born →
🔢 Get Michelle's free numerology report card →
💫 Is Michelle your name? Get your free “My name means…” card →
👶 Have a Michelle already? Find sibling names that fit →
✨ Get stylish & fancy text versions of Michelle →
Names that sound like Michelle
Phonetic match, not just spelling"Mikael means "Who is like God?" and derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), combining the elements "mi" (who), "ka"…"
"Miguel means "who is like God" and derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, composed of the elements "mi" (who), "ka"…"
"Mikuláš means "victory of the people" and derives from the Greek name Nikolaos (Νικόλαος), composed of "nike" (victory) and "laos"…"
"Michael derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, composed of the elements "mi" (who), "ka" (like), and "el" (God), literally meaning…"
"Michal derives from the Hebrew name מִיכָאל (Mikha'el), meaning "Who is like God?" combining the elements "mi" (who), "ka" (like),…"
"Mikhail is the Russian form of Michael, derived from Hebrew "Mikha'el", meaning "who is like God?""
"Mikkel is a Scandinavian form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning "Who is like God?" through the…"
"Michaela is the feminine form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "Who is like God?" combining…"
"Mikaela is a feminine form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning "who is like God" (from the…"
"Micael is a variant spelling of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "Who is like God?" combining…"
"Micheal is a variant spelling of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "Who is like God?" combining…"
"Michel derives from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning "Who is like God?" through the root elements "Mi" (who), "El" (God),…"