Name meaning & stats
Michael
Michael means “who is like God?” (Hebrew origin). 4,310,321 US babies since 1940, peak 1957. Notable Michaels are 1.4× over-represented as professors.
What it means
“who is like God?”
HebrewWell documented
Via Greek and Latin.
In US birth records
Peak year: 1957
4,310,321 US babies were named Michael between 1940 and 2025.
Where Michaels end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Politician | 1.0× | High · 705 people |
| Actor | 1.2× | High · 659 people |
| Professor | 1.4× | High · 589 people |
| Writer | 1.2× | High · 497 people |
Among notable men who are professors, Michaels show up 1.4× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Michael has a surprise career: 2.1×
Spelling family
Michael is the main spelling
- Michael 96%
- Micheal 3%
- Michel <1%
- Michale <1%
- Mychal <1%
- Mychael <1%
- Michial <1%
- Michiel <1%
- Michail <1%
- Michaell <1%
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1957)