Which is more popular, Ethan or Michael?

Across the 18 years both are ranked, Michael placed higher in 10 of them.

Have Ethan and Michael ever traded places?

Yes, 6 times: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020.

Which one ranks higher now?

In 2025, the most recent year both are ranked, Michael is ahead.

What are their best ranks?

Ethan peaked at #3 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.

Ethan vs Michael: Name Popularity Compared

Ethan and Michael have both reached the top 5 at some point, and they appear in the same ranking in 18 years.

Michael ranked higher in 10 of those years, Ethan in 8.

The lead changed hands 6 times, in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020.

The most recent switch was in 2020, when Michael moved ahead of Ethan.

The gap was widest in 2023, when Michael sat 11 places ahead.

In the most recent year where both are ranked (2025), Michael sits ahead of Ethan.

EthanMichael

Ethan: 3 · 2008 · 18; Years ahead: 8
Michael: 2 · 2008 · 18; Years ahead: 10

Full detail for each name: Ethan · Michael

Frequently asked questions

Which is more popular, Ethan or Michael?: Across the 18 years both are ranked, Michael placed higher in 10 of them.
Have Ethan and Michael ever traded places?: Yes, 6 times: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020.
Which one ranks higher now?: In 2025, the most recent year both are ranked, Michael is ahead.
What are their best ranks?: Ethan peaked at #3 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)