Mihailo is a Slavic given name of Serbian origin, derived from the name Mikhail, which itself stems from the Greek word 'Michael', meaning "who is like God?". This name has been widely used among Serbs and other South Slavic peoples for centuries, reflecting their Orthodox Christian heritage.
Historically, Mihailo has been a popular choice among Serbian royalty. One notable figure bearing this name is Mihailo III, also known as Michael II or Mihailo the Brave, who ruled the Serbian Empire during the 13th century. His reign was marked by significant territorial expansion and cultural development, contributing to Serbia's "Golden Age."
In recent years, Mihailo has seen a resurgence in popularity among new parents in Serbia, often appearing alongside traditional family names or modern given names like Sofia, Luka, and Ana. However, it remains a classic choice, steeped in Serbian history and tradition.
As with many Slavic names, Mihailo may be accompanied by various diminutives and pet forms, such as Mila, Milo, Miša, or Miško. These variants offer parents flexibility in choosing how they would like to address their child, depending on whether they prefer a more formal or familiar tone.
In the English-speaking world, Mihailo is sometimes anglicized to Michael, which has led to some confusion between the two names. However, Mihailo retains its unique identity and meaning within Serbian culture and history.
"The name Mihailo saw a notable increase in usage from 2018 onwards, with the most births occurring in 2021 and 2022, totaling 8 each year."