Meaning, origin, history
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 numbers
Popularity of the name Michellle since 1880
Total births
11
Total since 1880
Peak year
1970
6 births
in 1990
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years