Michael
BoysBest rank #2 (2008) · ranked in 18 years
With a peak of #2 in 2008, Michael appeared in the rankings across 2008-2025.
It eased from #2 in 2008 to #31 in 2025.
As of the latest count (2025), Michael sits at #31.
In 2008, 20,707 babies were given the name Michael.
Michael was most popular around 2008, making it characteristic of the 2000s generation.
Rank by year
Where Michael is most popular
In 2025, Michael was recorded in 51 of the 51 US jurisdictions the SSA reports on, with 8,094 births nationwide.
The largest share came from California at 875 births, 10.8% of the national total, where it ranked #45 that year.
By census region the name skews South, which accounts for 38.4% of Michael births, against 21.2% Northeast, 19.5% Midwest, 20.8% West.
State rankings spread more than the national figure suggests: Michael placed as high as #12 in New Jersey and as low as #162 in Vermont.
Top states, 2025
- 1California875 · #45 there
- 2Texas782 · #48 there
- 3New York604 · #20 there
- 4Florida529 · #29 there
- 5Pennsylvania385 · #15 there
Share by census region
- Northeast21.2%
- Midwest19.5%
- South38.4%
- West20.8%
Shares are of this name's national total, not of each state's births. SSA withholds any name under 5 occurrences per state and year. Browse all states
Frequently asked questions
- Is Michael a popular name?
- Michael reached a best rank of #2 in 2008 and has charted in 18 years.
- Where does Michael rank now?
- In the most recent data (2025), Michael ranks #31.
- Is Michael a boy or girl name?
- It is recorded primarily as a boys' name.
- When was Michael most popular?
- Michael peaked around 2008.
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Source: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) - Popular Baby Names (national)