The name Miguel is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Hebrew name Michael. It means "who is like God?" In the Bible, Michael is one of the archangels who serves as a protector of the Jewish people.
The name Miguel has been popular in Spain for centuries, with many notable figures throughout history bearing this name. One famous Miguel is Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish novelist and poet who wrote Don Quixote, considered one of the greatest works of fiction ever written. Another prominent figure is Miguel Indurain, a five-time Tour de France winner known as "Miguelón," meaning "Big Miguel" in Spanish.
The name Miguel has also been used by other languages and cultures around the world, such as Italian (Michele), French (Michel), German (Michael), and even English. In some countries like Mexico and South America, it is one of the most popular boy's names.
Throughout history, the name Miguel has been associated with strength, leadership, and courage, reflecting its biblical roots as a protector and defender. Today, many parents choose this name for their sons to carry on this powerful legacy. Whether you're Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, or of another descent, Miguel is a name that transcends borders and carries a rich history and meaning.
The name Miguel experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, starting with a low of 7 births in 1891 and peaking at 4672 births in 2000. The greatest increase occurred between the late 19th century and the early to mid-20th century, with a steep rise from around 10 births per year to over 1000 by the 1950s. However, after reaching its peak in the late 1990s, popularity of the name Miguel has been declining, reaching an all-time low since records began in 2023 with only 1883 births.