Michelle is a female given name that originated from the French word "MICHEL", which means "who is like God?". The name has been widely used since the Middle Ages and has been popular among many cultures throughout history.
The name Michelle gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in North America. It was often given to baby girls during this time as it was seen as a more feminine variation of the name Michael, which had been traditionally given to boys.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Michelle. One of the most famous is Michelle Obama, who served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017 alongside her husband Barack Obama. Other notable figures include Michelle Pfeiffer, a renowned American actress, and Michelle Kwan, a former competitive figure skater.
The name Michelle has also been used in popular culture, such as in the character Michelle Flannery from the TV show "Breaking Bad" and Michelle Bauer from the soap opera "Days of Our Lives".
In terms of its meaning, Michelle is often associated with strength and positivity. As it means "who is like God?", those named Michelle may be seen as individuals who embody divine qualities such as kindness, compassion, and wisdom.
Overall, Michelle is a name that has stood the test of time, with a rich history and a strong association with notable individuals. Its meaning adds depth to its appeal, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their daughters.
The name Michelle experienced significant growth in popularity over the course of a century, with a total of 815,059 births recorded from 1915 to 2023. The name's usage was quite rare initially, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1915 and 1940. However, it began gaining traction in the mid-1940s, with over 100 births recorded annually from 1946 onwards.
The name Michelle reached its peak popularity in the late 1960s to early 1970s, with a staggering 34,317 births recorded in 1969. This trend continued into the 1970s, with over 25,000 births annually until 1975. After that decade, the usage of Michelle began to decline steadily, with fewer than 20,000 births recorded annually from 1981 onwards.
By the early 21st century, the name Michelle had become considerably less popular, with fewer than 3,000 births recorded annually between 2005 and 2014. This downward trend continued into recent years, with only 763 births recorded in 2023. Despite this decline, Michelle remains a well-established name with a rich history of usage over the past century.