Meshell

Meshell is a feminine name that represents a modern variation of Michelle, which itself is the French feminine form of Michael, meaning 'who is like God?' in Hebrew. This distinctive spelling gives the classic name a contemporary edge while maintaining its familiar pronunciation. The name gained some recognition in the 1980s and 1990s, partly influenced by musician Meshell Ndegeocello. While much less common than Michelle, Meshell offers parents a way to honor the traditional name while adding a unique twist. The name carries the same rich biblical heritage as Michael and Michelle but stands out with its distinctive orthography. Meshell blends familiarity with uniqueness, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that's recognizable but not commonplace.

Pronounced muh-SHEL.

As of October 2026, Meshell ranked #19496 in US births in 2008 SSA, peaked at #1971 in 1966.