Michael
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Michael
ARPA
M AY1 K AH0 L
IPA
ˈmaɪkəl
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Michael
Syllables (2)
M AY1 K AH0 L
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
M
me (m)AY1
hide (aɪ)K
key (k)AH0
hut (ʌ)L
lee (l)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈmaɪkəl
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• This name has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Michael
Structure
Character Count
7
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
43%
Name Family
mich
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty2/10
Easy to pronounce
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
Name DNA Profile
The unique character and personality of Michael
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Balanced
Mix of vowels and consonants
Ease
Simple
Easy for most speakers
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
mich
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
m×1
i×1
c×1
Most frequent letters in Michael
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Very Easy
2/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Michael compare to the average name?
Michael2/10 😊
2.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Michael is easier than average by 3.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)← Michael
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Michael (root: mich)
Current Name
Michael
Related Names (9)
Short variations:
Mich
Micha
Medium variations:
Michaael
Michae
Michaeal
Michaee
Michaeel
Long variations:
Michael-anthony
Michael-james
Michael belongs to a family of 10 related names.
Name Meaning
What Michael means
Historical Reference
1. (Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Michael's meanings
Primary Theme
✨
Aspirational
Conveys strength, nobility, or divine favor
Theme Distribution
Aspirational
1
Key Themes
guardian
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Michael
Life Path Number
33
The Master Teacher
Master number representing unconditional love and spiritual teaching.
Compassionate
Healing
Uplifting
Altruistic
✨ This is a Master Number, indicating special spiritual significance
Most Common Letters
m×1
i×1
c×1
h×1
a×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
3(43%)
Consonants
4(57%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
m4
i9
c3
h8
a1
e5
l3
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Michael
Famous individuals who share this name
👤
Michael Uhrmann
German ski jumper
Born: 1978
👤
Helmut Kohl
Chancellor of West Germany and reunified Germany (1930–2017)
Born: 1930
👤
Michael Bezold
German chess player
Born: 1972
👤
Michael Radulescu
Romanian-German composer
Born: 1943
👤
Michael Bloomberg
American businessman and politician; 108th Mayor of New York City
Born: 1942
Country Rankings
How popular Michael is around the world
| Country | Gender | Rank | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | boy | #53 | 2019-2019 |
| Austria | boy | #32 | 2018-2018 |
| Canada | boy | #61 | 2018-2018 |
| Czechia | boy | #38 | 2016-2016 |
| Denmark | boy | #49 | 2000-2000 |
| France | boy | #490 | 2009-2009 |
| Germany | boy | #17 | 1989-1989 |
| Ireland | boy | #15 | 2019-2019 |
| Israel | boy | #24 | 2016-2016 |
| Italy | boy | #85 | 2018-2018 |
| Netherlands | boy | #326 | 2019-2019 |
| New Zealand | boy | #89 | 2019-2019 |
| Norway | boy | #87 | 2003-2003 |
| Switzerland | boy | #93 | 2011-2011 |
| United Kingdom | boy | #74 | 2018-2018 |
| United States | boy | #14 | 2018-2018 |
| United States | girl | #971 | 1994-1994 |
Michael Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Michael
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Michael Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Michael
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Michael ranks across different countries
Showing top 10 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
Similar Names
Names similar to Michael
Rhyming Words
Words that rhyme with Michael
aichele
cycle
deikel
eichel
heichel
mcmichael
micheal
michel
recycle
reichel
reichl
reichle
schmeichel
weichel
weikel
wikle
wykle
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Michael?
IPA: /ˈmaɪkəl/ ARPA: M AY1 K AH0 L This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Michael?
Michael has 2 syllables.
Is Michael easy to pronounce?
Yes, Michael is very easy to pronounce. It has simple, common sounds that most people can say without difficulty.
Is Michael easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Michael is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Michael?
There are 100 notable people named Michael. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Michael?
Names similar to Michael include: Mich, Micha, Michaael, Michae, Michaeal. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Michael a good baby name?
Michael makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Michael a boy or girl name?
Michael can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Michael?
The name is spelled Michael. Common spelling variations include: Mich, Micha, Michaael.
What are common nicknames for Michael?
Common nicknames for Michael include: Mic, Michy, Micie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Michael mean?
The name Michael means "Michael\n n 1: (Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Michael?
Middle names that pair well with Michael include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Michael?
Sibling names that pair well with Michael include: Mich, Micha, Michaael, Michae. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Michael?
Yes, Michael is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Michael from?
Michael has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Michael suitable for a professional career?
Michael is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Michael a long or short name?
Michael is a short name with 7 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Michael?
Common spelling variations of Michael include: Micha, Michaael, Michae. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Michael and Mich?
Michael and Mich are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Michael is spelled Michael while Mich is spelled Mich. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.