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Miguel Boy

Popularity: #181 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmee-GEL / miˈɡel

Spanish; Portuguese

Meaning

Who is like God? (Hebrew)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Miguel is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, which means "who is like God?" This name was adapted into Greek as Michael (Μιχαήλ) and subsequently entered Latin as Michaelis. The transition into Spanish and Portuguese occurred during the Middle Ages, when the name became popularized through religious contexts, particularly due to the veneration of Saint Michael, the archangel, who is a significant figure in both Christianity and Judaism. The name Miguel thus reflects a rich linguistic journey from Hebrew through Greek and Latin to its modern forms in the Iberian languages.

Historically, the name Miguel has been borne by numerous notable figures, including saints and monarchs. One of the most prominent is Saint Michael, celebrated on September 29 in the Christian liturgical calendar, which contributed to the name's widespread adoption in Christian communities. The name has also appeared in various historical texts and translations, including the Vulgate, a late 4th-century Latin translation of the Bible, where the archangel Michael is mentioned. The name's significance was further solidified during the medieval period, when it became associated with chivalry and protection, often invoked in the context of battles and divine assistance.

Culturally, Miguel has resonated deeply within Spanish and Portuguese-speaking societies, symbolizing strength, protection, and divine favor. The name has been embraced in literature and art, often representing heroic or virtuous characters. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Miki or Migue have emerged, reflecting affectionate or familiar uses of the name. The enduring legacy of Miguel is evident in its continued presence in various cultural expressions, from religious observances to popular narratives, underscoring its significance across centuries.

Trend Summary

Miguel has consistently been a popular name in the United States, particularly among Hispanic communities.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Miguelo
  • Miki

International Variants

  • Mikhail (Russian)
  • Mikael (Swedish)
  • Michele (Italian)
  • Mika (Japanese)

Famous people named Miguel

Miguel is a singer and songwriter best known for Adorn, Sure Thing, and Skywalker.

Miguel de Cervantes is a writer best known for Don Quixote, Novelas Ejemplares, and Los Trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda.

Miguel Ferrer is an actor best known for RoboCop, Twin Peaks, and NCIS: Los Angeles.

Miguel Ángel Asturias is a writer best known for The President, Men of Maize, and The Green Pope.

Miguel Indurain is a former professional cyclist best known for winning the Tour de France five times.

Miguel Cabrera is a professional baseball player best known for his time with the Detroit Tigers and winning the Triple Crown.

Miguel Sapochnik is a director best known for his work on Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.

Miguel Ruiz is an author best known for The Four Agreements and The Mastery of Love.

Miguel Ángel Jiménez is a professional golfer best known for his victories on the European Tour.

Miguel Bosé is a singer and actor best known for his music career and roles in films like Tacones Lejanos.

Fictional characters named Miguel

Miguel is a fictional character from the animated film Coco. He is a young boy with a passion for music who embarks on a journey to the Land of the Dead to discover his family's history.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Miguel was first seen in the United States in 1880. Miguel has ranked as high as #149 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Miguel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Miguel (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 405
22%
CA 367
20%
FL 133
7%
AZ 77
4%
IL 72
4%
NY 64
4%
MA 59
3%
NC 48
3%
GA 42
2%
WA 38
2%
OH 33
2%
VA 32
2%
PA 29
2%
OK 27
1%
KS 27
1%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188012
18819
188210
188312
18849
188510
188613
18898
18909
18917
189216
189312
189413
189516
18967
189714
189813
189914
190017
190113
190221
190318
190418
190525
190619
190719
190824
190918
191032
191136
191247
191361
191468
1915104
191689
1917107
1918102
1919137
1920127
1921128
1922161
1923175
1924191
1925191
1926195
1927201
1928226
1929245
1930221
1931189
1932171
1933179
1934153
1935145
1936155
1937143
1938139
1939161
1940170
1941166
1942183
1943214
1944216
1945226
1946262
1947292
1948383
1949368
1950443
1951464
1952511
1953545
1954610
1955613
1956669
1957741
1958771
1959799
1960819
1961825
1962872
1963879
1964952
1965950
19661,017
19671,056
19681,107
19691,304
19701,345
19711,472
19721,421
19731,461
19741,658
19751,657
19761,758
19771,756
19781,827
19791,960
19802,176
19812,400
19822,632
19832,378
19842,418
19852,525
19862,579
19872,637
19882,734
19893,081
19903,698
19913,947
19924,174
19934,348
19944,033
19953,953
19964,160
19974,234
19984,256
19994,207
20004,673
20014,558
20024,644
20034,591
20044,525
20054,676
20064,903
20074,906
20084,450
20094,173
20103,456
20113,169
20122,942
20132,888
20142,757
20152,573
20162,506
20172,279
20182,185
20192,184
20202,053
20211,950
20222,040
20231,891
20241,924