Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Michael.
National Rank (2025)
#21
All-Time Peak Rank
#1 (1954)
Total U.S. Births
4,426,753
Unisex Distribution99.5% Boy / 0.5% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Michael Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Michael
According to SSA data, Michael achieved its highest historical rank of #1 in 1954. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1957 with 92,781 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 44.2%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Michael scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-44.2% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record92,781Births in 1957
Years in Top 100
146yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityVery Stable
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:3,558
1890s:3,926
1900s:5,220
1910s:30,858
1920s:37,893
1930s:56,001
1940s:336,568
1950s:837,471
1960s:833,092
1970s:707,327
1980s:663,807
1990s:462,466
2000s:250,715
2010s:145,220
2020s:52,631
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesMic-hael
Letter Count7 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 54.1% of SSA names. Starts with M, a letter used by only 7.6% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Michael? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics