MICHAEL  

Gender: M
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "who is like God"

Popularity in 2008: #2

The Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century, Michael is still in second place -- translating to an annual twenty thousand babies -- a phenomenal record due to its use by parents of diverse ethnic and religious groups, and its all-around likability, strength, and sincerity.

Variations:
Mikkeli, Mikey, Mike, Micko, Micky, Micael, Mitchel, Mitch, Mitchell, Mickie

Michael is being discussed in our message boards:

• A thought
• Absurdly Long Baby Name Game=)!!!!!!
• some of my favorites--what do you think?
• Best of British - some Telegraph birth announcements
• Poll: Once a Nickname... Always a Nickname???

Read Nameberry blog posts about Michael:

• STAGE NAMES: Would You Change Your Name for Fame?
• SCOTTISH BABY NAMES: What's 'in' in Inverness?
• IRISH NAMES NOW: What's doing in Dublin?
• HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NAMEBERRY!
• MOST POPULAR NAMES: How "The List" Was Born