Declining since 2001, #212 for boys today.
Popularity of Miguel since 1880
Babies named Miguel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 83 |
| 1890s | 121 |
| 1900s | 192 |
| 1910s | 783 |
| 1920s | 1,840 |
| 1930s | 1,656 |
| 1940s | 2,480 |
| 1950s | 6,166 |
| 1960s | 9,783 |
| 1970s | 16,316 |
| 1980s | 25,562 |
| 1990s | 41,009 |
| 2000s | 46,102 |
| 2010s | 26,943 |
| 2020s | 11,530 |
Meaning & origin
Miguel is a classic Spanish and Portuguese name that has been widely used in the United States, especially among Hispanic families. It has a strong biblical lineage as the Spanish form of Michael, the archangel. In 2025, Miguel ranked 212th overall, with about 1 in 1028 newborn boys receiving the name. Its popularity peaked in 2002, and since 2001 the name has been gradually falling in use, though it remains a staple in states such as New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas, which are the top three states for the name. While no longer at its peak, Miguel is a timeless choice that continues to be passed down through generations. The name's trajectory shows a steady decline over the past two decades, but it still holds a strong cultural resonance. Its use was first recorded in 1880, reflecting its long history in the United States. Overall, Miguel is a solid, traditional name with deep roots in Hispanic culture and a reassuringly familiar sound.
Miguel is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Michael, which derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el meaning 'Who is like God?' The name appears in the Bible as one of the archangels and has been widely used throughout the Christian world. In Spanish-speaking countries, Miguel has been a classic name for centuries, popularized by the archangel Saint Michael. The name entered the English-speaking world but remains most strongly associated with Hispanic cultures, where it has been a top choice for boys across generations.
Where Miguel 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.
“Miguel” around the world
Where Miguel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
105
babies in 2024
Ireland
11
babies in 2025
New Zealand
12
babies in 2025
Quebec
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Migue, Miky
Sibling names for Miguel
Names that share Miguel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Isabella, Sofia, Valentina, Camila, Ana, Dolores, Maribel, Mercedes, Susana, Angelita, Bonita, Chiquita, Consuelo, Cristal, Dulce, Felipa, Joana, Johana, Lupe, Marisela, Maritza, Monserrat, Rosita, Annita, Conchita, Jesenia, Maricruz, Marysol, Monserrath, Sanjuanita, Soledad, Teresita, Tomasa, Yulissa, Argelia, Asusena, Claritza, Clemencia, Conchetta, Dorita, Dulcemaria, Feliz, Ibeth, Johanny, Lurdes, Luzmaria, Mariangel, Mariluz, Rosenda, Tomasita, Anacristina, Chinita, Corazon, Cruzita, Damary, Josefita, Luiza, Marizol, Marycarmen, Miguelina, Nieves, Ortencia, Rosalita, Tereza, Yalitza, Aideliz, Almendra, Anabelen, Anacarolina, Anaisabel, Briceyda, Doloras, Fermina, Glorimar, Jerusalen, Mariadel, Monserrate, Sagrario, Solangel, Yarielis
Brothers: Jose, Luis, Carlos, Antonio, Alejandro, Gustavo, Jesus, Juan, Julio, Raul, Roberto, Cortez, Edwardo, Efrain, Humberto, Joseangel, Montez, Trinidad, Jeancarlos, Joao, Joseluis, Juancarlos, Juanpablo, Luisangel, Luiz, Margarito, Paulo, Ascencion, Casimiro, Diogo, Filipe, Jencarlos, Johncarlos, Jorgeluis, Joseantonio, Juanantonio, Juandiego, Juanito, Juanjose, Juanmanuel, Juliocesar, Manual, Mateus, Elijio, Jjesus, Joncarlos, Josean, Juanangel, Juandavid, Jujuan, Kauan, Luisantonio, Pancho, Rui, Bolivar, Gerado, Josealberto, Josealfredo, Josecarlos, Josedaniel, Joseguadalupe, Josejuan, Juandaniel, Luiscarlos, Nuno
Names like Miguel
Names whose popularity has moved with Miguel's over the last 50 years.
