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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mica is not the same name -- though it sounds the same -- as Micah, but the h makes it feel more masculine.

Unless you're Nordic, probably best to stick with Michael if you want to avoid a life of confusion and misspelling.

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.

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.

Along with Mika, a nickname for Mikael.

Misi is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Polynesian contexts, particularly Samoan, it often serves as a diminutive or variant of Moses. In Finnish, Misi functions as a nickname for Mikael (Michael). The name features a pleasing simplicity with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. Despite its brevity, Misi carries significant meaning in certain cultural contexts, particularly connecting to the biblical Moses in Polynesian communities. This name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, offering distinctiveness while maintaining an accessible, friendly sound. The name has a gentle, approachable quality that balances uniqueness with ease of use. For families with Polynesian or Finnish heritage, it can serve as a cultural connection while working well internationally.

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.

One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.

Michal may be one of several Eastern European forms of Michael, though there is a biblical Michal who is female, the daughter of Saul and wife of David.

One of the few Italian forms less attractive than the original, this time because it will forever be mistaken with the feminine version.

A mix of gentle and sharp sounds, Mihály is a Hungarian variation of the Biblical Michael. It has been a steady favorite in its native Hungary and currently ranks in the Top 100. Diminutive forms include Miksa and Misi.