Daniel vs Michael: Name Popularity Compared
Across 18 shared years, Daniel peaked at #5 in 2008 and Michael at #2 in 2008.
Michael ranked higher in 16 of those years, Daniel in 2.
4 switches in the lead show up in the data, in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
The most recent switch was in 2025, when Michael moved ahead of Daniel.
The gap was widest in 2010, when Michael sat 6 places ahead.
In the most recent year where both are ranked (2025), Michael sits ahead of Daniel.
Full detail for each name: Daniel · Michael
Frequently asked questions
- Which is more popular, Daniel or Michael?
- Across the 18 years both are ranked, Michael placed higher in 16 of them.
- Have Daniel and Michael ever traded places?
- Yes, 4 times: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
- Which one ranks higher now?
- In 2025, the most recent year both are ranked, Michael is ahead.
- What are their best ranks?
- Daniel peaked at #5 in 2008; Michael peaked at #2 in 2008.
- Where does this comparison come from?
- National rankings from US Social Security Administration baby name data. Years where a name falls outside the published ranking are left out of the comparison.
U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) - Popular Baby Names (national)