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.
- Mikko
Origin:
Finnish, from HebrewMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Cute Finnish version of Michael.
- Micha
Origin:
Variation of MicahDescription:
The many names connected more by letter and sound than by root -- Micha, Micah, Mica, Misha, Mischa, Michal, and of course Michael -- can get very confusion, and this variation is sure to cause pronunciation problems in the US. Hard or soft ch? Long or short i? Better stick with Micah, Misha...or Michael.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Michal
Origin:
Czech, Slavic, and Polish variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
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.
- Michele
Origin:
Italian variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
One of the few Italian forms less attractive than the original, this time because it will forever be mistaken with the feminine version.
- 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.
- 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.
- Miska
Origin:
Finnish diminutive of MikaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
Along with Mika, a nickname for Mikael.
- 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.