Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Michelle

Michelle is the feminine form of Michael (Michel). Michele (with one “L”) first achieved popularity in France and English speakers eventually adopted the name in the 1940s. The Anglicized version of the name became Michelle. The word "Michelle" is of Hebrew origin meaning "resembles God". In Italian it means "like the Lord". So the word Michelle is popularly understood to have a strong linkage with God. In the Bible, Michael was an archangel who appeared in Daniel's vision as "the great prince" who defended Israel. In the Book of Revelation, he led the armies of God to victory. In Roman Catholicism, Michael is the patron saint of death, Germany, grocers, police officers, and radiologists. Currently, the name remains popular in English and French speaking countries mainly.

All About the Baby Name – Michelle

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME MICHELLE

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME MICHELLE

According to the Social Security Administration, both the names Michele and Michelle show up in the Top 1000 for the first time in 1938. Michele (the French form) drops off the Top 1000 in 2001 when it achieved a final ranking position of 861st most popular girls name. Michelle, the Anglicized version, has held strong on the Top 100 list of most favored girl’s names until very recently. Michelle’s heyday came in the late 1960s and persisted through 1980, during which time the name held a spot on the Top 10. In the late 60s and early 70s, the name was fueled in part by the popular Beatle’s song “Michelle” (released in 1966). Michelle remains persistently popular, although after four decades in the Top 100, in 2008 it finally inched out of that honor.

Quick Facts

ON MICHELLE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

168

PRONUNCIATION:

mi-SHEL or mee-SHEL

SIMPLE MEANING:

Godlike

Characteristics

OF MICHELLE

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Michelle

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MICHELLE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Michelle

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MICHELLE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Michelle


Popular Songs

ON MICHELLE

Michelle
a song by The Beatles

Michelle Post
a song by Hootie and the Blow Fish

Michelle's Farm
a song by Beastie Boys

Michelle's Song
a song by Elton John

My Michelle
a song by Guns ‘n Roses

Famous People

NAMED MICHELLE

Michelle Obama (U.S. First Lady)
Michelle Phillips (singer)
Michelle Pfieffer (actress)
Michelle Williams (actress)
Michelle Wie (golfer)
Michelle Trachtenberg (actress)
Michelle Kwan (figure skater)
Michelle Obama (U.S. First Lady)
Michelle Phillips (singer)
Michelle Pfieffer (actress)
Michelle Williams (actress)
Michelle Wie (golfer)
Michelle Trachtenberg (actress)
Michelle Kwan (figure skater)
Michelle Obama (U.S. First Lady)
Michelle Phillips (singer)
Michelle Pfieffer (actress)
Michelle Williams (actress)
Michelle Wie (golfer)
Michelle Trachtenberg (actress)
Michelle Kwan (figure skater)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MICHELLE

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MICHELLE

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