All about the name

Michell

Male

« Michelle is a unisex French name derived from Michel, meaning "who is like God?" It gained popularity worldwide in the 20th century and has been borne by notable figures like Michelle Obama and Michelle Williams. »

#6921 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Michelle is a name of French origin, derived from the male name Michel, which is itself derived from the Latin Michael. The name Michelle has been popular in various countries for many years and has been borne by numerous notable individuals throughout history. The meaning of the name Michelle is generally considered to be "who is like God?" This interpretation comes from the Hebrew name Michael, which is composed of the elements mi (meaning "who") and kha-el (meaning "like God"). The name was first used as a male name in the Bible, where Michael is one of the archangels who serves as a protector of Israel. The name Michelle became popular in France during the Middle Ages, but it did not gain widespread use outside of France until the 20th century. In many countries, including the United States and Canada, Michelle was initially used primarily for girls born to French-speaking families or families with French ancestry. However, over time, the name has become more widely accepted as a unisex name that is suitable for both boys and girls. Some of the most famous individuals named Michelle include Michelle Obama, who served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, and Michelle Williams, an American actress best known for her role in the TV series Dawson's Creek. Additionally, several other notable individuals have borne the name Michelle throughout history, including Michelle Bachelet, a former President of Chile, and Michelle Kwan, a retired American figure skater who won two Olympic medals. Overall, the name Michelle has a rich history and a meaningful interpretation that makes it a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive and memorable name. Whether used as a male or female name, Michelle is sure to be a name that stands out and leaves a lasting impression.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Michell since 1880

Total births
588
Total since 1880
Peak year
1970
20 births
in 2010
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years