Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Michelle
GirlFrench, Hebrew· “who is like God?”
- Meaning
- who is like God?
- Origin
- French, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- mih-SHEHL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #465
- US babies 2025
- 661
- Best rank
- #2 (1968)
- Peak year
- 1969
Meaning and origin of Michelle
Michelle is a French and Hebrew name that means “who is like God?”.
Michelle is the French feminine form of Michel, which comes from the Hebrew Michael, "who is like God?" The question form was understood as a statement of humility, since no one is like God. Michelle spread widely in the English-speaking world in the mid-twentieth century and was helped by the Beatles song "Michelle." Former First Lady Michelle Obama is a well-known modern bearer. The name is smooth and graceful, with an easy French sound. Shelly, Chelle and Mimi are common nicknames, and the Italian Michela and Spanish Micaela are related forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Michele, Michel.
Popularity over time
Michelle first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 88 different years, starting in 1938. Its best national rank was #2 in 1968, and the most babies received it in 1969, when 34,319 were named Michelle. In 2025, 661 babies were named Michelle, and it ranked #465 nationally. That is 61% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,522 in 1920, #174 in 1950, #10 in 1980, #52 in 2000, #125 in 2010, and #465 in 2025. Of the 816,510 US girls named Michelle since records began, 31% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 208,293 babies. Since 2010, 22,109 more have been named Michelle.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kimberly, Dawn, and Tina.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Michelle ranked highest in New Jersey, Illinois, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #249 | 33 |
| Illinois | #285 | 38 |
| California | #302 | 108 |
| New York | #302 | 56 |
| Nevada | #362 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Michelle is usually pronounced mih-SHEHL, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with M and ends in “-le”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Michele and Michel.
Middle names for Michelle
A few middle names that flow with Michelle: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Michelle
Similar names
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ruh-SHEHL
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Lists that include Michelle
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Michelle mean?
Michelle is a French and Hebrew name that means “who is like God?”.
What is the origin of the name Michelle?
Michelle has French and Hebrew roots. Michelle is the French feminine form of Michel, which comes from the Hebrew Michael, "who is like God?" The question form was understood as a statement of humility, since no one is like God.
Is Michelle a popular name?
Yes. Michelle ranked #465 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Michelle a boy or girl name?
Michelle is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Michelle?
Michelle is usually pronounced mih-SHEHL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings