Michael

[heylilbunny]

My DH is American and we have lived there for many years (as well as other nations). I am always amazed and how popular Michael is in every generation in the US. It's still very popular there in English and Spanish versions. I don't see Michael mentioned much on MN at all. When I lived in the UK I noticed it was popular in Irish/Irish descent families so do you think it's the Catholic connection that means Michael endures so well in other nations?

Do you like Michael and know any under 10?

One of my best friends in London has a son called Michael aged 22. She only wanted this name but she is also devout Catholic.

I think it's a lovely name and know loads through DH's Irish Catholic family.

I have one. He is 18 though.
I am neither Irish nor catholic.

I like it and have thought about using it if I have a boy. There are many older Michael's in my family, but I think it suits any age

I like Michael, it's a lovely name. I don't know many kids so no Michaels under 10 - but it was on our list when we had ds, who's 2.

The only child Michael I know is 14.

I don't mind it but I absolutely hate Mike. And I normally like short names.

I think it is a lovely name, but I don't know any under the age of 40.

I like it.

Bowlersarm I also am not a fan of Mike, you can see the Irish popularity in the (negative) nickname for the Irish: Mick. I have known Micks and Mickey's mostly American or from Ireland (or Irish descent) or Liverpool (again I imagine mostly Irish descent or Catholic).

Although in the states Mikey is popular for little boys.

I think it's also the most popular name in UK over last 70 yrs. I know ones who are 14, 8 & 7, Not Irish.

I don't think it's been in the UK Top Ten since the 70s while in the US it has been in the top 5 and often number one constantly.

My bro is Michael, not Irish or Catholic and under 40. There is 1 in dds class, he is 9

I love it, my sons middle name.

Ok I was wrong! It was no. 14 in 2013 in the USA but not in the Top 50 in the UK in 2013.

I finally bothered to check... : )

Still, that's very popular in the US compared to the UK and of course many more babies are born in the US.

Since I can't find a UK "how popular is my name" tool, You want to do a bit of calculus & find the area under curve on this sort of thing.

My 5yr old is michael, he's the only one at his school. He has always been michael, not Mike or mikey or Mickey.

I like it a lot. It's a classic that's due a revival.

I'm not a fan of any of the nicknames, though.

I never knew that Mickey was a derogatory nn for the Irish.. Looked it up on urban dictionary though and sure enough it is.. Apparently Mickey can mean roast potato too

This is about us data but you can see its decline over time
m.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=Michael+&x=0&y=0

Famous Michaels:

St. Michael the Archangel
Michael Banks (Mary Poppins)
Mickey Mouse
Michael Collins
Michael Portillo
Michael Hesletine
Michael Bentine
Michael Caine
Michael Jackson
Michael Jordan
Michael Fassbender
Michael Buble
Michael Phelps
Michael Douglas
Prince Michael of Kent

Phew OK out of Michaels off the top of my head!

I think Michael is a great name. Love it and agree that it's due a revival.

I like it but in Ireland you'd have to watch what sur name you put it with.

ie, not ward, mcdonagh, o'brien, cash

Being a bit thick here, Mitlillehus, but why?

I love this name. The Godfather is my favourite film and although Michael Corleone might not be an obvious role model I adore Al Pacino and that's the positive association for me.

For very similar reasons I also love the name Robert.

I know a few Michaels under the age of 10

All Irish traveller or Polish heritage

There are three in dcs school. Aged 8,7 and 5. Two known as Michael and one as Mike.

I know of a pre-school Micheal, who isn't Catholic, and a 15yo Michael who is.

I'm surprised it's not more popular....everyone seems to think Thomas is a great name, and I think they go well together.