Declining since 1985, #465 for girls today.
Popularity of Michelle since 1915
Babies named Michelle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 17 |
| 1920s | 97 |
| 1930s | 293 |
| 1940s | 5,693 |
| 1950s | 46,779 |
| 1960s | 208,293 |
| 1970s | 249,130 |
| 1980s | 154,027 |
| 1990s | 86,532 |
| 2000s | 43,540 |
| 2010s | 17,358 |
| 2020s | 4,751 |
Meaning & origin
Michelle experienced a dramatic surge in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in 1969 when it ranked among the top names for girls. That year, it was one of the most popular choices nationwide. Since 1985, its usage has been in a steady decline, falling to a rank of 465 in 2025, where it is now given to roughly 1 in every 2,432 baby girls. Its strongest popularity in recent years has been in states such as New Mexico, New Jersey, and Nevada. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1915 and rose to prominence in the 1960s, a decade that cemented its place in American naming history. Despite its reduced usage today, Michelle remains a widely recognized name with a classic mid-century appeal.
Michelle is the French feminine form of Michel, which derives from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning "who is like God?". The name Michelle gained widespread usage in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of French names and culture. It became particularly fashionable in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
Where Michelle 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.
“Michelle” around the world
Where Michelle lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
13
babies in 2025
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
13
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shelly, Mickey, Mimi, Elle
Sibling names for Michelle
Names that share Michelle's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Danielle, Nicole, Renee, Monique, Denise, Angela, Jacquelyn, Janelle, Kristine, Kristy, Melissa, Nichole, Christi, Christin, Danelle, Jacquelin, Janel, Janine, Julieann, Kimberlee, Rachelle, Rashell, Renae, Richelle, Yoselin, Beyonce, Chantell, Christianne, Jacalyn, Jackqueline, Jaclynn, Jacquelyne, Jacquelynn, Jacqulyn, Jennefer, Lachelle, Laurene, Leighann, Nicholle, Racquel, Rashelle, Stephaine, Stephannie, Stephine, Charelle, Daneille, Danille, Denelle, Donyelle, Jacilyn, Khristine, Kristee, Kristyne, Krystine, Machell, Marchell, Mechell, Meshell, Raychelle, Rechelle, Richele, Rochele, Sharelle, Sharisse, Stepahnie, Stepheny, Stevee, Chandelle, Chistina, Christell, Christol, Christyne, Conswella, Dangela, Dannelle, Danyele, Denielle, Janele, Jeaninne, Jodelle, Kristianne, Krystelle, Marshelle, Nechelle, Roschelle, Sharnette, Shauntelle, Shawnell, Shelene, Stefanee, Stephene, Jeanee, Stepfanie, Amandalee, Andreal, Chalene, Cherissa, Chirstine, Christyl, Dachelle, Danamarie, Danylle, Franchelle, Jacalynn, Jaclyne, Jacqulynn, Jeanifer, Lichelle, Loribeth, Mellonie, Nichoel, Nicholl, Raschelle, Rennae, Rennee, Richel, Richell, Rickell, Shannelle, Stephanine, Stepheni, Stpehanie
Brothers: Michael, David, Matthew, Daniel, Joseph, Darrin, Johnathan, Kristopher, Jefferey, Micahel, Michale, Mickel, Dennys, Ichael, Jeffory, Jeffrie, Michial, Mickeal, Stephone, Timonthy, Jeffre, Johnel, Mechel, Dannell, Dimetrius, Montrelle
Names like Michelle
Names whose popularity has moved with Michelle's over the last 50 years.
