Michelle: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Michelle mean and stand for?

Meaning:

French: Who is like God?
Hebrew: Gift from God
Italian: Like the Lord; close to God

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Michelle is pronounced mi-shel.

The name Michelle is of French origin and is the feminine form of Michel, meaning "Who is like God?" corresponding to the Hebrew name Michael. It's been a popular name choice since the mid-20th century, especially in French-speaking countries and among English speakers worldwide.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

French: from the female personal name Michelle, feminine form of Michel, French form of Michael.

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Tom Clancy

Michelle in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Michelle Tanner from Full House - The youngest Tanner daughter who is known for her catchphrases and adorable antics.
Michelle Rodriguez from Fast & Furious - A tough, street-savvy racer and part of Dom's crew.
Michelle Flaherty from American Pie - A quirky and musically inclined camp counselor who later becomes Jim's wife.
Michelle Dessler from 24 - A dedicated CTU agent who plays a crucial role in several seasons of the show.
Michelle Payne from Horse Girl - A character who experiences a surreal journey of self-discovery.

Popularity of the Name Michelle

According to Social Security Administration data, Michelle has maintained a significant presence in the U.S., historically remaining popular from the mid-20th century well into the 21st century. Its peak popularity was in the 1960s and 1970s, when it consistently ranked in the top 10. The name Michelle is of French origin, meaning "Who is like God?" It gained considerable fame due to the Beatles' song "Michelle" released in 1965.

Prominent individuals named Michelle include former First Lady Michelle Obama, acclaimed actress Michelle Pfeiffer, and singer Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child. In literature and media, the name Michelle has been featured in various works, including the character Michelle Tanner in the TV series Full House and Michelle Flaherty in the American Pie films. This combination of historical significance, cultural impact, and continued usage keeps Michelle a beloved name for many.