Rising since 1985, #2,941 for boys today.
Popularity of Michelangelo since 1961
Babies named Michelangelo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 54 |
| 1970s | 75 |
| 1980s | 73 |
| 1990s | 159 |
| 2000s | 226 |
| 2010s | 486 |
| 2020s | 285 |
Meaning & origin
Michelangelo is an Italian compound name that combines Michele and Angelo, literally meaning 'who is like God?' from its Hebrew and Greek roots. The name owes its enduring recognition to the Renaissance master Michelangelo Buonarroti, yet as a given name it saw little use before the 20th century. In the United States, it first entered the Social Security records in 1961. Since 1985 the name has been slowly rising, reaching its peak rank in 2015. Today it ranks 2941st, given to roughly 1 in every 40,668 newborn boys. Its top states of usage are Texas and California, reflecting larger Italian-American communities. While still uncommon, Michelangelo carries a strong artistic and religious heritage that continues to appeal to families seeking a distinctive name with historical weight.
Michelangelo is a combination of the Italian names Michele (Michael) and Angelo. Michele derives from the Hebrew Mikha'el, meaning 'who is like God?', a rhetorical question affirming that no one is like God. Angelo comes from the Greek angelos, meaning 'messenger' or 'angel'. The name is most famously associated with the Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti. It was rarely used as a given name before the 20th century but has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly in the United States.
Where Michelangelo is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mike, Mickey, Angelo, Miche
Sibling names for Michelangelo
Names that share Michelangelo's style, for a brother or sister.
