Declining since 2005, #2,091 for boys today.
Popularity of Mykel since 1975
Babies named Mykel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 32 | 17 |
| 1980s | 111 | 367 |
| 1990s | 269 | 790 |
| 2000s | 194 | 1,053 |
| 2010s | 89 | 742 |
| 2020s | 18 | 475 |
Meaning & origin
Mykel is a modern spelling variant of Michael that first appeared in U.S. records in 1977. Its popularity peaked in 1990, but since 2005 its usage has been falling. In 2025, the name ranked 2,091 nationally, with roughly 1 in 24,401 newborn boys receiving the name. The variant is most commonly found in Georgia, Florida, and Texas, suggesting a regional preference in the South. Mykel fits a pattern of phonetic respellings that gained ground in the late 20th century, offering a distinctive alternative to the enduring classic Michael while retaining its Hebrew meaning and biblical resonance.
Mykel is a modern respelling of Michael, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning 'Who is like God?' This rhetorical question appears in the Hebrew Bible and was borne by the archangel Michael. The variant spelling Mykel emerged in the late 20th century in the United States, reflecting a trend toward simplified, phonetic spellings of traditional names.
Where Mykel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mike, Mikey, Myk
Sibling names for Mykel
Names that share Mykel's style, for a brother or sister.
