Michelle is a feminine given name of French origin and pronunciation. It is derived from the French word "michel," which means "who is like God?" The name Michelle is a feminine form of Michel, which is itself derived from the Hebrew name Michael.
The name Michelle has been in use for several centuries and has been popular among people of various nationalities. In France, it was particularly common during the 19th century. However, its usage spread beyond French borders and gained popularity worldwide due to its phonetic similarity with other names like Michael and Michelle in English-speaking countries.
The name Michelle has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Michelle Obama, who served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017 during her husband Barack Obama's presidency. Other notable individuals named Michelle include Canadian singer-songwriter Michelle Sweeney and French actress Michelle Pfeiffer.
Overall, Michelle is a classic feminine name with a rich history and wide usage across different cultures. Its meaning, "who is like God?", reflects its religious origins while also conveying a sense of uniqueness and singularity.
In the United States, the name Michelle has seen a consistent yet gradual decrease in popularity over time. According to statistics, there were 6 babies named Michelle born in 1970. This number decreased slightly by the year 2000, with only 5 babies being given this name that year. Over the course of these three decades, a total of 11 babies have been named Michelle in the United States. Despite the decline in popularity, the name Michelle remains a classic choice for parents, reflecting its enduring appeal and timelessness.