Micheal

At first, we were convinced that Micheal was a misspelling of the ϋber-popular boy’s name Michael; but we were wrong. Mícheál is actually the Irish form of Michael while Mìcheal is the Scottish equivalent. In the Gaelic tongue, the “ae” is flipped to “ea” and is pronounced MEE-haul or MEE-hale. As it turns out, Micheal is a correct spelling of the name! The name Michael is derived from the Hebrew word “mikha'el” which actually translates into a question: “Who is like God?” It seems odd to have a first name that basically asks a question, one would think. However, the question is considered rhetorical. The implied answer is clear: no one is like God. Therefore, the translation of Michael’s meaning 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. As Ireland and Scotland became Christianized they were introduced to the Biblical importance of Michael and so adopted their own forms of the name. In fact, the Irish short form of Mickey (like Paddy) is closely associated with the notion of an Irishman.