Miguel is a name of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Hebrew name Michael. The name Miguel means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew.
The name Miguel has been used for centuries, with its earliest known usage dating back to the Middle Ages in Spain. It was popular among the nobility and was often given to male children as a sign of blessing and protection by God.
Throughout history, there have been many notable figures named Miguel. Some of these include Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish novelist who wrote "Don Quixote," Miguel Ángel Asturias, a Guatemalan writer who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1967, and Miguel Indurain, a five-time Tour de France winner.
Today, Miguel remains a popular name throughout Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and among Spanish-speaking communities around the world. It is often spelled Miguel or Miguelito, with both versions being equally popular.
The name Miguel has been consistently popular over the past two decades in the United States. Between 1989 and 2009, there were a total of 10 babies named Miguel born each year on average. This steady trend indicates that this moniker continues to resonate with parents looking for a unique yet classic name for their sons.