Origin & Meaning of the Michael Surname
What does the last name Michael mean?
The surname Michael carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 40,736 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Michael ranks as the #847 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Michael come from?
The Michael surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Michael name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Michael trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Michael |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #847 |
| US Count (2010) | 40,736 |
| Per 100K People | 13.81 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Michael
According to the US Census, the Michael surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 40,736 Americans with the Michael last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.59% |
| Black | 8.88% |
| Hispanic | 3.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.95% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.85% |
Popularity of Michael Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Michael surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Michael surname increased by 1,367 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Michael
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Michael.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Michael.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael
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