Declining since 1985, #1,401 for boys today.
Popularity of Micheal since 1880
Babies named Micheal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 142 |
| 1890s | 119 |
| 1900s | 218 |
| 1910s | 1,249 |
| 1920s | 1,460 |
| 1930s | 1,403 |
| 1940s | 10,619 |
| 1950s | 40,908 |
| 1960s | 31,979 |
| 1970s | 23,798 |
| 1980s | 18,735 |
| 1990s | 12,871 |
| 2000s | 7,271 |
| 2010s | 3,004 |
| 2020s | 943 |
Meaning & origin
Micheal is a common alternative spelling of Michael, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'Who is like God?' While the standard spelling Michael has long dominated, Micheal has persisted as a distinct variant. In 2025, it ranked 1,401st in the United States, with approximately 1 in every 13,139 newborn boys receiving this spelling. Its peak year was 1957, reflecting the broader mid-century popularity of the name. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily falling. The name has historically been most common in states like Arizona, Michigan, and New York. As a variant, it carries the same religious and cultural weight as Michael, making it a recognizable choice for parents seeking a slightly different spelling.
Micheal is a variant spelling of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Michael (מִיכָאֵל), meaning 'Who is like God?' This rhetorical question emphasizes God's uniqueness. The name appears in the Old Testament as an archangel, and was borne by several Byzantine emperors. It has been widely used across Christian cultures, with the spelling 'Micheal' being a common alternative in English-speaking countries.
Where Micheal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Micheal” around the world
Where Micheal lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
20
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mike, Mikey, Mick, Mickey
Sibling names for Micheal
Names that share Micheal's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Micheal
Names whose popularity has moved with Micheal's over the last 50 years.
