Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Micah

Micah is basically the same name as Michael, just with an old-modern twist. The name Michael is derived from the Hebrew word “mikha'el” which actually translates into a question: “Who is like God?” Yes, it seems odd to have a first name that basically asks a question; however, the question is thought to be rhetorical. The implied answer is clear: no one is like God. Therefore, the translation of the name Michael (and thus Micah) is often one of humility. Michael was one of the archangels who stood close to God and carried out His judgments, and as a protector of the ancient Hebrews. Michael was the chief leader of the angels who fought and defeated the dragon (i.e., the devil), hurling him from heaven. As such, he became of symbol of the Church Militant and a patron saint of soldiers. The name Michael conveys a sense of power, bravery and strength by its translated meaning; but also a symbol of humility expressed very simply by that question mark. Aside from the clear association with Michael, Micah was also borne by a prophet in the Bible, in an Old Testament book that bears his name (dating from the late 8th century B.C.). Like his contemporary Amos, Micah rebukes the urban elite for their treatment of the poor. Micah becomes a fortune-teller of sorts (ok, a prophet) when his foresights are remembered later in Israel’s history (he sees a day when Israel and Judah will be destroyed). He is also important to Christianity’s early development when he foretells that the “King of the Jews” will be born in Bethlehem. Micah has been a favorite among the Jewish people, and then the Puritans picked up the name in the 17th century.

All About the Baby Name – Micah

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MICAH

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MICAH

Surprisingly, Micah only first appeared on the American male naming charts in 1959. That's fairly modern for an ancient name! We would have expected to see Micah around longer than that; although we can say with confidence Micah was in circulation at the time of Puritan colonization long before the U.S. government tracked naming data for us to analyze. In any case, once Micah did appear on the charts, he demonstrated rapid growth in popularity. The name became officially unisex when it suddenly emerged on the female charts in 1978. Still, Micah is an ancient dude from the Bible so we really don't see this one as female. For boys, Micah is experiencing his peak popularity right now and is just about to squeeze onto the Top 100 list. It's a great alternative to the ever-popular Michael. And even though this is a Hebrew name that dates back centuries before the Common Era, Micah feels fresh and modern.

Quick Facts

ON MICAH

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

107

PRONUNCIATION:

MY-kah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Who is like God?

Characteristics

OF MICAH

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Micah

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MICAH

Micah is the protagonist of Arthur Conan Doyles’ 1888 novel of the same name. Micah is a young peasant who joins in the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685, aimed at overthrowing the Catholic king of England. He is a young and naïve boy looking for adventure at the novel’s start, who becomes a wiser, stalwart adult after many disturbing experiences in the failed rebellion. He also comes to the conclusion that religious extremism is as wrong as heresy, a belief that Sir Arthur himself espoused. He also felt that Micah was one of his finest characters, and rather resented the shadow that the great Sherlock Holmes cast over his other creations.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MICAH

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Micah


Popular Songs

ON MICAH

Where Is Micah?
a song by Five Iron Frenzy

Famous People

NAMED MICAH

We cannot find any celebrities of significantly famous people with the first name Micah.
We cannot find any celebrities of significantly famous people with the first name Micah.
We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Micah.

Children of Famous People

NAMED MICAH

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Micah

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MICAH

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Micah