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Michael First Name Meaning

Michael is a gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin, meaning "Who Is Like God?" The name is derived from the Hebrew phrase מי כאל‎, 'Who [is] like-El', and is often read as a rhetorical question – "Who [is] like [the Hebrew God] El?" This question is known in Latin as Quis ut Deus? The name is also sometimes interpreted as "One who is like God." Michael is one of the most common names in the world and has been popular for boys in western Europe since the medieval period. It has also been given to women, such as actresses Michael Michele and Michael Learned, and musician Michael Steele. In religious contexts, Michael is the name of an archangel in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, symbolizing strength, protection, and mercy. The name has been borne by numerous famous individuals, including athletes, actors, and musicians, and remains popular across various countries.

Sources: Wikipedia, available at https://www.wikipedia.org | BabyNames.com, available at https://www.babynames.com

How popular Michael first name? (2000 - Now)

Historical popularity of Michael first name (1880 - Now)

Sources: Social Security Administration, available at https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/



Famous people with Michael first name

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an iconic American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist known as the "King of Pop." Rising to fame as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, he embarked on a remarkable solo career that solidified his status as a global figure and revolutionized popular music. Jackson's influence transcended racial barriers, reshaping the music industry with his groundbreaking visual performances and chart-topping albums. Notably, his album "Thriller" remains the best-selling album of all time, and its accompanying music videos transformed the medium. Despite his unparalleled success, Jackson faced controversy and legal challenges, including accusations of sexual abuse. His untimely death in 2009 sent shockwaves across the world and sparked an outpouring of grief. With over 500 million records sold worldwide, numerous accolades, and a profound philanthropic legacy, Jackson's impact on music and culture is indelible, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox, born June 9, 1961, is a Canadian-American activist and former actor. Rising to fame as Alex P. Keaton on the NBC sitcom Family Ties and as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future film trilogy, Fox's career spanned both television and film. He also starred in Teen Wolf, The Secret of My Success, and The Frighteners. In 1998, he revealed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis and became an advocate for finding a cure, establishing the Michael J. Fox Foundation to fund research. Fox's advocacy efforts earned him numerous awards, including five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. He was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in 2022 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025. His contributions to the entertainment industry and Parkinson's disease research have left an indelible mark. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Fox's family moved to various cities due to his father's military career before settling in Burnaby, Vancouver. He attended Burnaby Central Secondary School and pursued acting, ultimately relocating to Los Angeles to further his career. Fox's dedication to his craft and his advocacy work have made him an influential figure in both the entertainment industry and medical research.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher, born on January 3, 1969, is a German former racing driver known for his exceptional career in Formula One. He achieved a record-setting seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles and held numerous records in the sport. Schumacher's racing journey began at the age of four in kart racing, and he quickly rose to prominence, winning several championships and titles. His remarkable success in karting led to his transition to single-seater series and eventually Formula One, where he made a lasting impact. Notably, Schumacher's tenure at Ferrari saw him and the team clinch five consecutive titles from 2000 to 2004. His dedication to pushing the limits during races, innovative fitness regimen, and ability to motivate his teams set him apart as a true racing legend. Beyond his racing achievements, Schumacher has been actively involved in humanitarian projects and charitable endeavors, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the racetrack. In 2013, Schumacher suffered a severe brain injury in a skiing accident, leading to an extended period of medical treatment and rehabilitation. His enduring legacy and impact on the world of motorsport continue to be celebrated by fans and the racing community.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Michael Douglas
Michael Douglas

Michael Kirk Douglas is a renowned American actor and film producer, born on September 25, 1944. He has achieved numerous accolades including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award. Douglas' notable productions include "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Wall Street," for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. He has also portrayed iconic characters in films such as "Fatal Attraction," "Basic Instinct," "The American President," and "Traffic." On television, he garnered critical acclaim for his roles in "The Streets of San Francisco," "Behind the Candelabra," and "The Kominsky Method." Not only a talented actor and producer, Douglas is also recognized for his humanitarian and political activism. He is married to actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and has made significant contributions to various organizations, including the Nuclear Threat Initiative and the Ploughshares Fund. Douglas has a rich family heritage, with his father being the legendary actor Kirk Douglas, and his mother having diverse ancestries including English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, Belgian, and Dutch. He has received extensive education in drama, earning his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Throughout his career, Douglas has left an indelible mark on both the film and television industries, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring actors and filmmakers.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Michael Landon
Michael Landon

Michael Landon, born Eugene Maurice Orowitz, was an American actor and filmmaker best known for portraying Little Joe Cartwright in "Bonanza," Charles Ingalls in "Little House on the Prairie," and Jonathan Smith in "Highway to Heaven." Landon's career in show business began with appearances in various television series and movies, ultimately leading to his breakthrough role in "Bonanza" at the age of 22. His success on the show, which was one of the first to be broadcast in color, catapulted him to fame and established him as a beloved television star. Landon's personal life was marked by early struggles, including his mother's suicide attempts and his battle with bedwetting, which later influenced his semi-autobiographical work in "The Loneliest Runner." Despite these challenges, he excelled in sports during high school and received an athletic scholarship to the University of Southern California before pursuing a career in show business. Throughout his prolific career, Landon's talent and charisma endeared him to audiences, cementing his status as a beloved figure in American television history.

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