Meaning, origin, history
Miguel is a masculine given name of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the name Michael, which means "who is like God?" in Hebrew. The name Miguel is particularly popular in Spain and Latin America.
The name Miguel has a rich history and has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish novelist who wrote the renowned work "Don Quixote." Another notable figure is Miguel Ángel Asturias, a Guatemalan writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967.
In terms of its popularity, Miguel has been consistently popular throughout the years. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was among the top 500 most popular boys' names in the United States for every year between 1984 and 2019. In Spain, it is also a commonly used name, ranking among the top 20 most popular boys' names in recent years.
Overall, Miguel is a strong and enduring name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its meaning, "who is like God?", reflects its divine origins and conveys a sense of strength and power. Despite its Spanish and Portuguese roots, it has been widely adopted across cultures and continues to be popular today.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Miguel since 1880
Total births
996
Total since 1880
Peak year
1992
41 births
in 2023
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-9%
↘
vs previous 5 years