Declining since 1994, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Mitchel since 1880
Babies named Mitchel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 37 |
| 1890s | 68 |
| 1900s | 81 |
| 1910s | 411 |
| 1920s | 531 |
| 1930s | 399 |
| 1940s | 716 |
| 1950s | 1,838 |
| 1960s | 1,633 |
| 1970s | 884 |
| 1980s | 1,774 |
| 1990s | 3,204 |
| 2000s | 1,311 |
| 2010s | 318 |
| 2020s | 82 |
Meaning & origin
Mitchel is a phonetic variant of Michael, a name borne across centuries and cultures. While Michael has long been a top name in the United States, Mitchel has remained far less common. First recorded in 1880, its peak year was 1994, after which its usage began a steady decline. By 2025, it ranked 7,679, with only about 1 in 170,808 boys receiving the name that year. The spelling 'Mitchel' offers a distinctive alternative to the more frequent 'Mitchell' or 'Michael,' though it shares the same biblical heritage and meaning. Its rarity today gives it a unique, understated quality for parents seeking a familiar sound with a less common spelling.
Mitchel is a variant spelling of Michael, which derives from the Hebrew name Mikha'el meaning 'Who is like God?' This spelling emerged as a less common alternative to the standard Michael, particularly in English-speaking countries. It has been in use since the 19th century, though it never attained the widespread popularity of the original form.
Where Mitchel 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mitch
Sibling names for Mitchel
Names that share Mitchel's style, for a brother or sister.
