Michael: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The name Michael comes from Hebrew 'Mikha'el,' meaning 'Who is like God?'.
• It has been a popular name since ancient times and is often used in various cultures.
• Michael has many variants in different languages such as 'Mikael' in Scandinavian countries and 'Miguel' in Spanish.

Religious Significance

• In Christianity, Michael is one of the archangels who leads heaven's armies against evil.
• Judaism recognizes Michael as a protector of Israel and an advocate in heavenly court.
• In Islamic tradition, Michael (Mikail) is responsible for providing nourishment to human bodies and souls.

Pop Culture

• Several famous people have the name, including Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, who changed music forever.
• Marvel comics features a character named Michael Morbius, a living vampire, in the Spider-Man universe.
• In movies, Michael Myers is a central character in horror films, usually portrayed as a chilling figure.

Statistics

• Michael has consistently ranked among the top names for boys in the U.S. for decades.
• According to the Social Security Administration, Michael was the most popular boy's name from 1954 to 1998.
• In 2020, Michael was still within the top 10 names for boys in several countries.

Literature

• The name appears in many literary works, often associated with strong, heroic characters.
• Famous books like 'The Adventures of Michael McWherter' showcase the name in adventurous tales.
• In the Bible, the Book of Daniel references Michael as a protector and warrior.