WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Michael

Boy name · 23,776 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Michael: 23,776 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 973 births in 1990.

Michael is a classic name of Hebrew origin, drawn from the phrase “Mikha’el,” meaning “Who is like God?”—a rhetorical question emphasizing God’s incomparability. Its most famous bearer is the Archangel Michael, a central figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition as a warrior and protector. Numerous saints and leaders have carried the name, including the Byzantine emperor Michael I. In Scotland, the name has been consistently popular, and its enduring appeal is reflected in its many variant forms, such as the Gaelic Mìcheal. Place connections are abundant: for instance, St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall shares its name with the archangel, while many Scottish churches and towns are dedicated to him. A further note: Michael has held a top position in Scottish baby name charts for decades, a testament to its timeless strength and global familiarity.

Boy 52 of 52 years

Peak year
1990973 babies
Latest (2025)
#6571 babies
Total births
23,776since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 22%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1990 · 973
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).