Mikkel Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MICK-el //ˈmɪkəl//
Origin: Danish; Norwegian; Swedish
Meaning: Who is like God?
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Mikkel is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, which translates to "who is like God?" This name was adopted into Greek as Michael (Μιχαήλ) and subsequently into Latin as Michaelus. The transition into Old Norse occurred during the Viking Age, where it became Míkhail, and eventually evolved into Mikkel in modern Scandinavian languages.
The name entered English usage primarily through the influence of the Latin form, Michael, which became widely popular due to its biblical significance. Historically, the name Michael is associated with several notable figures, including the archangel Michael, who is a prominent figure in Judeo-Christian traditions.
The archangel is often depicted as a protector and leader of the heavenly armies, a theme that has resonated throughout various cultures. The name gained further prominence in the Christian context with the translation of the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate) in the late 4th century, where the name Michael appears in the Book of Daniel and Revelation.
Additionally, the name has been borne by numerous saints, including Saint Michael the Archangel, whose feast day is celebrated on September 29th. Culturally, Mikkel and its variants have been embraced in various traditions across Scandinavia, often symbolizing strength and protection.
The name has historical significance in Danish and Norwegian cultures, where it has been borne by kings and notable figures throughout the centuries. The diminutive form, Mikkel, is particularly common in Denmark and reflects a familiar and affectionate usage of the name.
The enduring appeal of Mikkel can be attributed to its deep-rooted connections to religious and cultural narratives, as well as its strong linguistic heritage.
Famous people named Mikkel
Fictional characters named Mikkel
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Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Mikkel was first seen in the United States in 1947. Mikkel has ranked as high as #1313 nationally, which occurred in 2004, and has been most popular in California. In the past 5 years the name Mikkel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Mikkel (2021)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1947 | 5 |
| 1949 | 5 |
| 1956 | 6 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1973 | 8 |
| 1974 | 9 |
| 1975 | 12 |
| 1976 | 8 |
| 1977 | 12 |
| 1978 | 10 |
| 1979 | 15 |
| 1980 | 10 |
| 1981 | 13 |
| 1982 | 8 |
| 1983 | 14 |
| 1984 | 16 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 10 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1990 | 17 |
| 1991 | 18 |
| 1992 | 12 |
| 1993 | 13 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 10 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2000 | 19 |
| 2001 | 21 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 27 |
| 2004 | 29 |
| 2005 | 24 |
| 2006 | 27 |
| 2007 | 29 |
| 2008 | 22 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 21 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 13 |