Michael
Saint Michael and the Dragon (Spanish/Valencian Painter, ca. 1405, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)
Meaning and Origin
Michael originates from the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mikha'el), which means “Who is like God?” or “Who is like God?” This rhetorical question emphasizes the incomparability of God, serving as a declaration of divine supremacy. The name reflects humility and reverence for God, acknowledging that no one can truly compare to His greatness. Michael has been widely adopted across cultures and languages, including variations like Miguel (Spanish), Michel (French), and Mikhail (Russian). Its strong theological roots have made it a popular choice for religious and secular naming traditions alike.
Saint Michael and the Dragon (Spanish/Valencian Painter, ca. 1405, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)
Name Michael in languages of the Bible
Hover or touch to magnify
Popularity Analysis
, "GLOBAL_PRESENCE_SECTION_START": "Michael is a globally recognized name, found in 199 countries and particularly popular in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Grenada. Its widespread use reflects its cultural and religious resonance, transcending linguistic boundaries. From biblical times to modern-day, Michael has been embraced by Christians, Jews, and even Muslims, who also regard Michael as an archangel. The name has inspired countless individuals, including historical figures like Michelangelo Buonarroti and contemporary icons such as Michael Jordan. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal, serving as a timeless reminder of divine strength and protection in an ever-changing world.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Jamaica | Michael | 2 |
| Bahamas | Michael | 2 |
| Grenada | Michael | 2 |
| United States | Michael | 3 |
| Ireland | Michael | 3 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Michael | 3 |
| Barbados | Michael | 3 |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Michael | 3 |
| Guyana | Michael | 3 |
| Germany | Michael | 4 |
| Australia | Michael | 4 |
| Austria | Michael | 4 |
| United Kingdom | Michael | 5 |
| Denmark | Michael | 5 |
| Belize | Michael | 5 |
Showing top 15 of 199 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
, "SIGNIFICANCE_SECTION_START": "Michael holds profound spiritual significance as one of the most prominent names in biblical tradition. It is most famously associated with the archangel Michael, who is depicted as a warrior and defender of God’s people. With a Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100, Michael is deeply connected to God’s purpose, serving as a heavenly protector and champion of justice. Furthermore, the name boasts a Jesus Circle Score of 96.5/100, reflecting its strong association with Jesus and key moments in salvation history. Beyond the archangel, numerous biblical figures bear the name Michael, including a captain who defected to David (1 Chron. 12:20) and a Levite of Gershom’s family (1 Chron. 6:40). This wide usage underscores Michael’s importance as a name tied to leadership, faithfulness, and divine service.
Biblical Context
, "BIBLICAL_CONTEXT_SECTION_START": "The name Michael appears in 19 verses across the Bible, spanning both Old and New Testament references. It is first introduced in the Old Testament, where figures such as Michael the Gadite (1 Chron. 5:14) and Michael the captain of Manasseh (1 Chron. 12:20) play significant roles. However, the name reaches its apex in the Book of Daniel and the New Testament. Daniel 12:1 describes Michael as “the great prince” who protects Israel, marking him as a divine defender during times of tribulation. In Revelation 12:7, Michael leads heavenly armies against Satan, solidifying his role as a warrior angel in God’s cosmic plan. These appearances highlight Michael’s dual role as both a spiritual intercessor and a symbol of God’s power and justice.
Divine Proximity Metrics
Jesus Proximity
SNA: 2.3 | Percentile: 96.54
Biblical References
- 1 Chronicles 12:20
- 1 Chronicles 5:13
- 1 Chronicles 5:12
- 1 Chronicles 7:3
- 1 Chronicles 27:18