Michele
Michele is the Italian form of Michelle, derived from the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God.' While traditionally masculine in Italy, it became established as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, particularly popular in the mid-20th century.
Current Popularity
#4837 for girls
in the United States (2025)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Often confused with the more common spelling 'Michelle'
- •Pronunciation is typically mih-SHELL in English
- •The single 'L' spelling gives it a distinctive, continental feel
- •Peak popularity was in the 1960s-1970s, making it a vintage choice today
- •Multiple spelling variations exist
Similar Names
Famous People
Michele Lee
Actress and singer, known for 'Knots Landing'
Michele Bachmann
Former U.S. Congresswoman and presidential candidate
Michele Roberts
Former executive director of the NBA Players Association
Michele Tafoya
Sports broadcaster and journalist
Statistics
223,299
Total births since 1880
1968
Peak year
Discovery
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