Michael is a popular masculine given name, derived from the archangel Michael of Jewish and Christian traditions. Pronounced /ˈmaɪkəl/, it has been widely used throughout history and across various cultures. The name Michael means "who is like God?" in Hebrew, which reflects its divine origin. It gained prominence through the revered figure of Saint Michael the Archangel, who is believed to be the protector of humanity against evil forces. Throughout the Middle Ages, Michael was a favored name among European royalty and nobility, further cementing its popularity. Today, Michael remains one of the most common names worldwide, appearing in numerous languages with slight variations in spelling and pronunciation.
The name Michael has a consistent but low presence in the United States, with only five babies being named Michael each year since 1989. This steady yet minimal usage of the name suggests that it is not widely popular or trendy among parents, but rather maintains a constant level of popularity over time. Despite its small number of births annually, the name Michael has held onto its position in the United States' naming landscape for at least three decades.