34 Variations of Michael
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Apr 22 2021
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Michael is one of the most popular baby names of the past century. To honor a dad or grandpa named Michael, or find a fresh way to spin the old favorite, consider these international baby names that are variations on the original.
- Micah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"who is like the Lord"Description:
The bright, playful Micah feels like the middle ground between the safe, solid qualities of Michael and the flair and energy of Luca. Both Biblical and stylish, Micah is proving popular among parents today.
- Michael
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names, it's still widely used.
- Misha
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of MikhailDescription:
Brought into the American consciousness as the nickname of ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov, it more recently took on a unisex air via TV and screen actress Mischa Barton. Could become the next Sasha.
- Misha
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of MikhailDescription:
Brought into the American consciousness as the nickname of ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov, it more recently took on a unisex air via TV and screen actress Mischa Barton. Could become the next Sasha.
- Miguel
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of Michael, HebrewMeaning:
"Who is like God"Description:
Mike Tyson put a twist on his own name by naming a son Miguel. It's the first name of Cervantes, the great Spanish novelist and poet who wrote Don Quixote.
- Mikhail
Origin:
Russian variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.
- Mischa
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of MikhailDescription:
Though the Mischa spelling is migrating toward the feminine side thanks to actress Mischa Barton, this Russian boys' short form still works for children of both sexes, as Mischa or Misha.
- Mícheál
Description:
Mícheál is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Michael, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'who is like God?' The name features the distinctive accent mark (fada) over the 'i' which indicates a long vowel sound in Irish pronunciation (approximately pronounced 'MEE-hawl'). This name carries deep cultural significance in Ireland, where it has been popular for centuries, particularly in Irish-speaking regions. Mícheál represents a strong connection to Irish heritage and language traditions. While less common internationally than the anglicized Michael, it remains an important cultural name that honors Irish linguistic traditions while maintaining its connection to the biblical archangel Michael.
- Mikael
Origin:
Scandinavian, Finnish, and Breton form of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
This variation of Michael is very popular in Iceland and Puerto Rico, but has only made the cut for the US Top 1000 two separate years —2016 and 2023. Angel-esque boy names ending in L trended upwards last year, meaning we may see some more little Mikaels around soon.
- Mikael
Origin:
Scandinavian, Finnish, and Breton form of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
This variation of Michael is very popular in Iceland and Puerto Rico, but has only made the cut for the US Top 1000 two separate years —2016 and 2023. Angel-esque boy names ending in L trended upwards last year, meaning we may see some more little Mikaels around soon.
- Micho
Description:
Micho is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It most commonly functions as a diminutive of Michael (Hebrew, 'who is like God') in Spanish-speaking communities, though it can also be found as a nickname in various Eastern European cultures. Additionally, the name appears in Japanese contexts with different kanji meanings. This multicultural presence gives Micho a versatile, international quality. The name's short, distinctive sound makes it accessible across language boundaries while maintaining a friendly, approachable character. Though uncommon as a formal given name in most regions, Micho has a warm, familiar quality that works well for both children and adults. Its rarity as a legal first name makes it stand out, while its cross-cultural presence gives it adaptability. The name's brevity and clear pronunciation add to its appeal.
- Meical
Description:
Meical is the Welsh form of Michael, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'Who is like God?' This question is rhetorical, implying that no one is like God. Pronounced roughly as 'MAY-cal', it represents the unique way Welsh language adapted the biblical name to suit its phonetic patterns. While Michael has been one of the most enduringly popular names across Western cultures, Meical remains relatively uncommon outside Wales, giving it a distinctive cultural resonance. The name carries strong connections to Welsh heritage and language traditions, making it particularly meaningful for families with Welsh roots. Its biblical origins combined with its Celtic form create a name that bridges ancient traditions with cultural specificity.
- Michel
Origin:
French form and German short form of Michael, HebrewMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
While the (male) French form is pronounced in English like the girls' name Michelle and the German form had a hard k-like sound in the middle, this variation of Michael is distinguished by being used evenly for girls and boys in the U.S. For either gender, though, pronunciation issues will dominate.
- Michalis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
A common name in its native Greece, Michalis is a nickname for Michail, the Greek form of Michael. This nickname form is used much more often than the formal Michail in day-to-day life. It can also be transliterated as Mihalis.
- Miska
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of MikaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Along with Mika, a nickname for Mikael.
- Mihai
Origin:
Romanian, from HebrewMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
The cute Romanian form of Michael, Mihai is a popular name with a lot of historical significance in Romania — the most famous figure being Mihai the Brave, one of Romania’s greatest national heroes.
- Mica
Origin:
Short form of MichalDescription:
Mica is not the same name -- though it sounds the same -- as Micah, but the h makes it feel more masculine.
- Mikel
Origin:
Basque and Scandinavian variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
A Basque and Scandinavian form of Michael, pronounced MEE-kel. In the US, it is sometimes chosen as a modern alternative spelling of Michael.
- Mietek
Description:
Mietek is a Polish masculine name, commonly used as a diminutive form of Mieczysław. The original name Mieczysław combines the Slavic elements 'miecz' meaning 'sword' and 'sław' meaning 'glory' or 'fame,' thus translating to 'glory of the sword' or 'famous by the sword.' Mietek has been a popular nickname in Poland throughout the 20th century, though its usage has somewhat declined in recent decades as more international names have gained popularity. The name carries connotations of strength, honor, and traditional Polish heritage. In Polish diaspora communities, it often serves as a connection to cultural roots while being relatively easy for non-Polish speakers to pronounce.
- Mikkel
Origin:
Danish variation of MichaelDescription:
Unless you're Nordic, probably best to stick with Michael if you want to avoid a life of confusion and misspelling.