Declining since 1985, #4,758 for girls today.
Popularity of Michele since 1915
Babies named Michele per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 39 |
| 1920s | 122 |
| 1930s | 317 |
| 1940s | 11,606 |
| 1950s | 41,973 |
| 1960s | 86,993 |
| 1970s | 56,560 |
| 1980s | 17,262 |
| 1990s | 6,014 |
| 2000s | 1,717 |
| 2010s | 519 |
| 2020s | 177 |
Meaning & origin
Michele first appeared in U.S. records in 1915 and climbed in usage through the mid-20th century, reaching its peak rank in 1968. Since 1985, its popularity has been falling, reflecting broader trends away from the -elle suffix names. Its 1-in-57,402 rate in 2025 places it among less common choices, though its classic sound and spelling keep it recognizable. The name draws on a strong biblical and angelic heritage, shared with the far more common Michael and Michelle.
Michele is the French and Italian feminine form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning 'Who is like God?' The name spread through Christian veneration of the archangel Michael. In the United States, Michele gained popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1960s. It remains a classic spelling variant of the more common Michelle.
Where Michele is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Michele” around the world
Where Michele lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shelly, Mickey, Micki, Misha
Sibling names for Michele
Names that share Michele's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Nicole, Christine, Denise, Suzanne, Renee, Deborah, Donna, Paula, Tracey, Danyelle, Lauretta, Marchelle, Rochell, Charese, Chauntel, Emmanuela, Janese, Janielle, Jannelle, Raechelle, Shirelle, Shontay, Shunda, Steffani, Toyia, Danitra, Darcelle, Jacqualine, Jomarie, Karinne, Rayshell, Rochella, Sherae, Ashawnti, Chantrell, Cheris, Dennisse, Jachelle, Lachele, Shavell
Brothers: Michael, Stephen, David, Anthony, Joseph, Tony, Giuseppe, Darcel, Ronell, Arcangel, Davinci, Larrell
Names like Michele
Names whose popularity has moved with Michele's over the last 50 years.
