What does Miguel mean and where does it come from?
Miguel is a Spanish and Portuguese given name derived from the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mikha'el). Its masculine form is common in many Spanish-speaking countries and can also be found among girls in modern usage. The name is widely recognized due to its biblical associations, notably St. Michael, an a
Cultural significance
Miguel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of who is like god?.
Peak popularity
Reached #2629 in 1984 — currently #194 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Miguel?
Miguel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Miguel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Miguel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Miguel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Miguel Claire
French influence · crisp
Miguel Jane
Literary · strong
Miguel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Miguel right now?
Declining — down 9 spots — currently #194 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #194 | 1,891 | ▼ down 9 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #185 | 2,040 | ▲ up 11 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #196 | 1,950 | ▲ up 13260 · +27757% births |
| 2010 | #13456 | 7 | ▼ down 4564 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #8892 | 12 | ▼ down 3399 · -40% births |
| 2000 | #5493 | 20 | ▼ down 1818 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #3675 | 29 | ▼ down 646 · -22% births |
| 1990 | #3029 | 37 | ▼ down 15 · +23% births |
| 1985 | #3014 | 30 | ▼ down 68 |
| 1980 | #2946 | 30 | ▲ up 1212 · +100% births |
| 1975 | #4158 | 15 | ▲ up 621 · +36% births |
| 1970 | #4779 | 11 | ▼ down 808 |
| 1965 | #3971 | 11 | ▲ up 241 · +10% births |
| 1960 | #4212 | 10 | ▲ up 1032 · +67% births |
| 1955 | #5244 | 6 | — |
The story of Miguel
Miguel entered American naming records in 1927 and has been in use for over 97 years. More than 181,967 babies have been named Miguel since 1927. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5244 in 1955 to #194 in 2023. Miguel is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Miguel in 1984:
Miguel by decade
Miguel peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 83 | |
| 1890s | 121 | |
| 1900s | 192 | |
| 1910s | 783 | |
| 1920s | 1,848 | |
| 1930s | 1,662 | |
| 1940s | 2,492 | |
| 1950s | 6,194 | |
| 1960s | 9,870 | |
| 1970s | 16,491 | |
| 1980s | 25,818 | |
| 1990s | 41,270 | |
| 2000s ★ | 46,198 | |
| 2010s | 26,913 | |
| 2020s | 2,032 | |
What are good nicknames for Miguel?
ENGLISH
MickMickeyMickyMikeMikey
What names sound and feel like Miguel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Miguel also consider these
How is Miguel written in other languages?
Gender variants of Miguel
Common questions about the name Miguel
What does the name Miguel mean?
Miguel means "Who is like God?" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Miguel?
Miguel is currently ranked #194 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Miguel?
Miguel originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Miguel?
Miguel is a two-syllable name pronounced M IH0 G EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Miguel more of a girl or boy name?
Miguel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.