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 #189 in 2024 — currently #212 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Miguel?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Miguel John
One syllable · timeless choice
Miguel Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Miguel Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Miguel Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Miguel Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Miguel right now?
Declining — down 23 spots — currently #212 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #212 | 1,661 | ▼ down 23 · -14% births |
| 2024 | #189 | 1,931 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 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 | — |
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 2024:
Miguel by decade
Miguel peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s 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 | 5,624 | |
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?
What are the girl versions 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 mig-EL. 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.