Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Mike

Mike is the English short form of Michael. 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 thought to be rhetorical. The implied answer is clear: no one is like God. Therefore, the translation of the name Michael is often one of humility. From a biblical perspective Michael is best remembered as one of the archangels who stood close to God and carried out His judgments (he was also 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, Saint Michael 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. The nickname Mike has a long history of being used as a stand-alone first name in its own right.

All About the Baby Name – Mike

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MIKE

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MIKE

Mike dates back on the American male naming charts to at least the late 19th century (as far back as available data goes). Even in the year 1880, Mike was a Top 150 favorite – not too shabby for a colloquial short form of the more traditional Michael. Mike even reached the Top 50-100 list of most commonly used baby boy names many times between 1943 and 1968 (his best years on the charts). Of course Michael is arguably the most successful 20th century boy’s name in the United States, it’s no surprise that Mike saw a fair amount of triumph on the charts in his own right. Today however Mike is no longer heavily used as an independently given name. Even Michael who reigned supreme for much of last century has been knocked off his perch by the likes of Jacob, Mason and Noah. Mike remains a hard, one-syllable name. It’s manly, confident and strong.

Quick Facts

ON MIKE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

881

PRONUNCIATION:

MYKE

SIMPLE MEANING:

Who is like God?

Characteristics

OF MIKE

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Mike

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MIKE

Mike is the title character of British humorist P. G. Wodehouse’s 1909 “schoolboy novel”, Mike. Mike is in the classic tradition of a P. G. Wodehouse character – British upper class golden age public school boy, a little short on the intellectual side, long on sports, especially cricket, and all around good fellow, if rather benignly mischievous. This from the creator of Jeeves and Bertie, after all. It makes one quite nostalgic, especially if one is American and takes most of one’s British cues from “Downton Abbey”. Sticky wicket, and all that. At any rate, Mike’s time is long gone, but his type is not, and it is admirable in its own way.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MIKE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Mike


Popular Songs

ON MIKE

I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson
a song by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Famous People

NAMED MIKE

Mike Tyson (boxer)
Mike Wallace (journalist)
Mike Myers (SNL cast member)
Mike “The Situation” (reality TV star)
Mike Ditka (football coach)
Mike Eruzione (hockey player)
Mike Nichols (director)
Mike Huckabee (politician)
Mike Oldfield (musician)
Mike Bryan (tennis player)
Mike Stoller (songwriter)
Mike Patton (musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MIKE

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MIKE

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