Michelle

Michelle is a given name, originally the French feminine form of Michel, from the Hebrew name Michael meaning "Who is like God?". It is now extensively used in English-speaking and also non-English-speaking countries. The name has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, especially in the United States during the 20th century.

Etymology

The name Michelle is of French origin, derived from the Hebrew name Michael (Michael), which means "Who is like God?". This rhetorical question implies a negative answer, and is a statement of the uniqueness of God. Michelle is the feminine form of Michel, the French variation of Michael.

Popularity

Michelle became a popular name in English-speaking countries starting in the mid-20th century. In the United States, the name was scarcely used before the 1940s, but it saw a dramatic increase in popularity from the 1960s and 1970s, partly due to cultural influences, including famous personalities bearing the name. It remained in the top 100 names for girls for several decades, peaking in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s.

Notable People

Many notable individuals bear the name Michelle, contributing to its popularity and recognition worldwide. These include:

• Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States
• Michelle Pfeiffer, American actress
• Michelle Yeoh, Malaysian actress
• Michelle Kwan, American figure skater

In Popular Culture

The name Michelle has been used in various songs, movies, and books, further cementing its place in popular culture. One of the most famous references is the song "Michelle" by The Beatles, which won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1967.

Variations

The name has several variations in different languages, including Michèle (French), Michela (Italian), Micaela (Spanish), and Michaela (German and English).

See Also

• Given name
• French names
• Michael (archangel)