Michael

The surname Michael is of biblical origin and is derived from the Hebrew name 'Mikha'el', meaning 'Who is like God?'. In England, the surname Michael is common and has a long history dating back to medieval times.

The name Michael was introduced to England by the Norman Conquest of 1066 and has since been anglicized in various forms over the centuries. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the personal name of an ancestor.

The surname Michael is found throughout the British Isles, with notable concentrations in regions such as Cornwall, Yorkshire, and London. It has been borne by individuals of various backgrounds and professions, including artists, scholars, and clergy.

Famous bearers of the surname Michael include Sir Alaric Alexander Watts Michael (1793–1867), a renowned poet and journalist, and Dame Joan Valerie Michael (b. 1956), a prominent actress and philanthropist.

Today, the surname Michael continues to be a common and well-respected name in Britain, reflecting its enduring legacy and significance in British history and culture.

There are approximately 8,080 people named Michael in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,167th most common surname in Britain. Around 124 in a million people in Britain are named Michael.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Hellenic

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Greece

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Greek

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andreas
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • George
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert

Female

  • Androulla
  • Christina
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Margaret
  • Maria
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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