Declining since 1988, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Mychal since 1978
Babies named Mychal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 94 |
| 1980s | 119 | 874 |
| 1990s | 105 | 577 |
| 2000s | 41 | 270 |
| 2010s | 0 | 161 |
| 2020s | 0 | 31 |
Meaning & origin
Mychal is a modern spelling variant of the classic Michael, first recorded in the U.S. in 1978. It peaked in popularity in 1988, ranking 12,008 with about 1 in 341,615 boys receiving the name as of 2025. The name has been in decline since 1988, reflecting a broader shift away from Michael and its variants. Unlike more common spellings, Mychal has no strong regional ties, appearing in top states sporadically. It offers a distinctive alternative for parents drawn to the traditional meaning 'Who is like God?' while seeking a less common orthography.
Mychal is a spelling variant of Michael, which derives from the Hebrew phrase Mikha'el, meaning 'Who is like God?' The name Michael appears in the Bible as an archangel and has been widely used in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim contexts. The Mychal spelling emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of the name combined with a desire for a distinctive spelling.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mike, Mikey, Myke
Sibling names for Mychal
Names that share Mychal's style, for a brother or sister.
