Mitchell is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the surname Mitchell, which itself comes from the Middle English word "michell," meaning "large stone." This surname was likely given to someone who lived near a prominent rock formation or had a particularly large head.
The first recorded use of the name Mitchell as a given name appears in the late 17th century. However, it did not become popular until the mid-19th century when it began to be used more frequently as a first name. Today, Mitchell is considered a classic and timeless name that has remained popular throughout the years.
Some notable individuals with the name Mitchell include American actor and filmmaker Mitchell Leisen, Canadian singer-songwriter Mitchell Cattle, and American basketball player Mitchell Robinson. Despite its Scottish origins, Mitchell is also a popular name in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
In terms of its meaning, Mitchell conveys strength, durability, and steadfastness, much like the large stone from which it originates. It is often associated with stability and reliability, qualities that are highly valued in both personal and professional settings. Overall, Mitchell is a strong and enduring name that has stood the test of time and continues to be popular today.
The name Mitchell has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States, with several peaks and troughs.
From 1913 to 1952, the number of babies named Mitchell ranged from a low of 5 births in certain years to a high of 9 births in others. The name's popularity began to pick up in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with the highest recorded number of births being 18 in both 1962 and 1970.
The 1970s saw a continued increase in Mitchell's popularity, with a peak of 29 births in 1984. This trend carried into the 1980s and early 1990s, with the name reaching its peak popularity during this time, ranging from a low of 20 births in 1990 to a high of 36 births in 1993.
However, Mitchell's popularity began to decline in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with only 7 births recorded in 2006. The name remained relatively uncommon throughout the remainder of the 2000s and into the 2010s, with fewer than 15 births per year.
In recent years, Mitchell has seen a slight resurgence in popularity, with 9 births recorded in both 2014 and 2017. Despite this, it remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Overall, while Mitchell's popularity has fluctuated over the years, it has remained a consistently used name in the United States, with a total of 1128 births recorded since 1913.