Declining since 1994, #3,583 for boys today.
Popularity of Mikal since 1943
Babies named Mikal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 22 | 31 |
| 1950s | 0 | 94 |
| 1960s | 15 | 135 |
| 1970s | 115 | 358 |
| 1980s | 108 | 479 |
| 1990s | 164 | 1,071 |
| 2000s | 90 | 700 |
| 2010s | 69 | 311 |
| 2020s | 8 | 155 |
Meaning & origin
Mikal is an uncommon name in the United States, first recorded in 1943. It saw its peak usage in 1993, but has since declined in popularity, reflecting a falling trajectory since 1994. In 2025, the name ranked 3,583rd, with approximately 1 in every 55,099 boys receiving it. Its primary association is as a variant of Michael, though its exact origin is debated. The name appears most frequently in New York, which has the highest concentration of Mikals among U.S. states. Mikal offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Michael while retaining a familiar sound.
Mikal is generally considered a variant of Michael, which derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning 'who is like God?'. The name Michael appears in the Bible as an archangel and has been widely used across Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures. Mikal is a less common spelling that emerged in the United States, particularly in the mid-20th century, possibly influenced by Scandinavian or other European forms.
Where Mikal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mike, Mick, Mika
Sibling names for Mikal
Names that share Mikal's style, for a brother or sister.
