Michelle

girlHebrewChristian

Michelle is a Christian girl name of Hebrew, via French origin, meaning “Who is like God?”.

MeaningWho is like God?
GenderGirl
OriginHebrew, via French
Pronunciationmee-SHEL
TraditionChristian
Used inFrance, United States, United Kingdom, Canada

Meaning and origin of Michelle

Michelle is the French feminine of Michel, which is the Hebrew Mikha'el, a question meaning 'who is like God?'. The question is rhetorical: nobody is like God. Michelle crossed into English in the twentieth century and took off after the Beatles' 1965 song 'Michelle'. Famous bearers include Michelle Obama and the actress Michelle Yeoh.

Is Michelle a Christian name?

The name comes from the Archangel Michael, who appears in the Book of Daniel and in Revelation, so it has a strong Christian and Jewish background, though Michelle itself is a modern French feminine form.

How popular is Michelle?

Very popular from the 1960s to the 1980s; still widely used.

Gifts with the name Michelle

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Spellings and variants of Michelle

MicheleMichelaMichelineMikaela

Names similar to Michelle

NicoleDanielleGabrielleRachelle

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Michelle mean?

Michelle means 'Who is like God?'. It is of Hebrew, via French origin.

Is Michelle a Christian name?

The name comes from the Archangel Michael, who appears in the Book of Daniel and in Revelation, so it has a strong Christian and Jewish background, though Michelle itself is a modern French feminine form.

How do you pronounce Michelle?

Michelle is pronounced mee-SHEL.

Is Michelle a boy or girl name?

Michelle is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.