Mike is a name of American origin that has gained popularity worldwide over the years. It is derived from the given name Michael, which is of Hebrew origin and means "who is like God?" or "gift from God". Mike is a diminutive form of Michael and is often used as a nickname.
The name Mike has been popular among many cultures and generations. In literature, Mike is the main character in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," which was published in 1850. In sports, Mike is associated with famous athletes such as Michael Jordan, the renowned basketball player, and Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion.
While Mike may be considered a more casual or informal name compared to its full form, it has still been used as a given name by many families around the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Mike was one of the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the country every year between 1960 and 2020.
In conclusion, Mike is an American diminutive form of Michael that has gained popularity worldwide. With its Hebrew origin and biblical meaning, it carries a significant historical background while also being associated with notable figures from literature and sports throughout history. Despite its casual connotation, Mike remains a popular name choice for boys around the world.
The name Mike has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 205,476 births registered with the name Mike.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the popularity of the name has fluctuated significantly over time. In the late 19th century, the number of babies named Mike ranged from a low of 44 in 1881 to a high of 95 in 1880. However, by the early 20th century, the popularity of the name began to rise steadily, with over 1,000 births registered each year between 1913 and 1926.
The most significant increase in the popularity of the name Mike occurred during World War II. Between 1942 and 1945, the number of babies named Mike more than tripled, from 2,803 births in 1942 to a peak of 4,853 births in 1946.
After the war, the popularity of the name Mike continued to grow, reaching an all-time high of 72,480 births in 1957. However, since then, the popularity of the name has declined steadily, with only 210 births registered in 2022 and 206 in 2023.
Despite this recent decline in popularity, Mike remains a classic and timeless name choice for parents in the United States. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its simplicity, ease of pronunciation, and universal familiarity. Furthermore, its association with iconic figures such as former professional wrestler "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and actor Mike Myers has likely contributed to its continued recognition and popularity among parents and fans alike.