Michelle

Meaning of Michelle

Michelle is a feminine name of French origin, pronounced as mih-SHEL (/mɪˈʃɛl/) in English. It's a name that has been popular for many decades, particularly in the United States where it reached peak popularity between the 1960s and 1990s. This classic name carries an elegance and sophistication that continues to be appreciated by many parents today.

Variations of Michelle include Michelina and Micheline, offering some flexibility for those considering this name.

Analyzing data from newborn names in the United States reveals the enduring appeal of Michelle. In recent years, its ranking has fluctuated around the 200-400 range, showing consistent use without being overly common. However, during the late 20th century, it was among the top choices for baby girls' names - reaching as high as the second most popular name in multiple years during the 1970s.

Despite shifts in naming trends over time, Michelle remains a beautiful choice with timeless charm that transcends generations. Whether you're drawn to its melodic sound or appreciative of its historical popularity, Michelle could be just the perfect pick for your little one's journey ahead.

Pronunciation

British English

  • Pronunced as mih-SHEL (/mɪˈʃel/)

American English

  • Pronunced as mih-SHEL (/mɪˈʃɛl/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Notable People Named Michelle

Verónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria is a Chilean politician who served as the President of Chile and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, known for her significant contributions to gender equality and human rights.
Michelle Obama - Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is an American attorney and author who served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, and is married to former president Barack Obama.
Michelle Wingshan Kwan is a retired competitive figure skater and diplomat, known for her two Olympic medals and her record-breaking achievements in figure skating.
Michelle Jacquet Branch is a Grammy-winning American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her top-selling albums The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper.
Michelle Wolf is a multi-talented American comedian, writer, and television host known for her work on The Daily Show and her own Netflix comedy talk show.
Michelle Rodriguez - Mayte Michelle Rodríguez is an American actress known for her roles in the Fast & Furious and Resident Evil franchises, as well as in films like Girlfight, S.W.A.T., Avatar, and Battle: Los Angeles.
Michelle Janine Howard is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the commander of the United States Naval Forces Europe, United States Naval Forces Africa, and Allied Joint Force Command Naples.
Michelle Alexander is an American writer, attorney, and civil rights activist, best known for her book The New Jim Crow and her work as an opinion columnist for The New York Times.
Michelle Lynn Monaghan is an American actress known for her roles in films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Gone Baby Gone, and the Mission: Impossible series.
Michelle Fairley is a Northern Irish actress best known for her role as Catelyn Stark in the HBO series Game of Thrones and has appeared in several other popular television series.
Michelle Ang is a New Zealand actress known for her role in Neighbours and as the voice of Omega in Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
Michelle Anne Rowland is an Australian politician who has been a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and has represented the Division of Greenway in the House of Representatives since 2010, and currently serves as the Minister for Communications in the government of Anthony Albanese.
Michelle Jacqueline Krusiec is a multi-talented American actress, writer, and producer.
Michelle Ferrari is a well-known Italian pornographic actress and television personality.
Michelle Vogel is an Australian-born film historian, author, and freelance editor known for her biographies of Hollywood stars and compilations about the entertainment industry.
Miriam Johnson
Curated byMiriam Johnson

Assistant Editor