Michelle
Girl name · 9,996 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Michelle: 9,996 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 704 births in 1982.
A French feminine form of Michel, Michelle ultimately derives from the Hebrew Michael, meaning “who is like God?” It rose to international prominence in the mid-20th century, helped by the Beatles’ 1965 song “Michelle.” Famous bearers include Michelle Obama, the groundbreaking former First Lady, attorney, and author; Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh; and Hollywood icon Michelle Pfeiffer. Place connections are indirect—the name shares its root with countless St. Michel towns and islands across Europe. A notable variant is the Italian Michela, while the related Scottish Gaelic form Maighread has a completely different etymology. Interestingly, Michelle was the most popular girls’ name in Scotland for several years in the 1970s, reflecting a broader Anglophone trend that has since softened.
Girl 52 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 1982704 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #30111 babies
- Total births
- 9,996since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 9%vs prior 5y