Is Michael a suitable and respectable name choice for me?

[Hawer]

Hi everyone, I am a 44-year-old Kurdish man who has lived in the UK for 8 years. I am starting college soon and I want to choose a name that fits well here. I've always liked the name Michael. Is it a good, respectable choice for my age? I'd love to hear your thoughts or any other suggestions!ه

Maybe although I think it might depend on what the most common local spelling is. And in the U.K. it’s Michael. So I wouldn’t find it strange that someone living in the U.K. was using the English standard spelling.

If you like it and it makes you happy, then use it. It’s a nice name and I hope you enjoy your new name and your fresh start 😊

My brother is called Michael, everyone calls him Mike apart from me and our late parents

Michael is a good choice for a strong name.

St. Michael the Archangel is a primary angelic warrior in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, revered as the leader of heaven’s armies against evil forces. Known as the "Prince of the Heavenly Hosts," he is the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and paramedics, often depicted in art defeating Satan.

Michael is a good, strong name. It can be affectionately shortened to Mike or Mick. Enjoy your fresh start...

Michael is a lovely name.
Go for it.

Michael is a good strong name. Its your choice dont let strangers on the net tell you otherwise

It's not pronounced the same.
It would be like meeting a Pakistani called Joseph.

Thank you all for the interesting discussion. I am aware that Michael is the English version of Mikael/Mikhail, which is a name we have in my culture too. That’s actually one of the reasons I like it—it bridges both worlds. I prefer the spelling "Michael" specifically because I want to use the standard British version while living here.

@BillieWiper what a thoroughly unpleasant post. Reported.

Yes, good choice OP. Go for it.

Lovely name! Entirely suitable for your age group too

All perfectly reasonable if that's how you feel - and yes, a very good name choice indeed.

It is underused on baby boys today, but in your age bracket it will not be unusual.

I like it! Go for it Michael!! (Am I the first to call you that?)

I also want to clear something up: I’m not changing my name to make things easier for British people, nor to hide my identity. I am very proud of my culture and faith. The truth is, I have been in love with the name Michael since 1998. It was my favorite name even when I lived in the Middle East, but back then, I didn't dare to change it because of social pressure. Now, after 28 years, I finally want to choose it for myself. I am posting here because I simply want to know the thoughts, reactions, and honest opinions of British people about this choice for someone of my age.

We can see you are not afraid to stick out @BillieWiper

This is so needlessly negative for someone making a perfectly harmless decision.

Perfectly suitable for a man your age but is your own name difficult to pronounce, or could it be shortened to something that is easy?

You are you and your given name is part of who you are. There will be people with all sorts of unusual names at college and amongst you acquaintance; this is England (I am presuming you are in England, correct me if I am wrong), and we are cosmopolitan, especially cities.

Whatever you decide, be yourself and good luck!

If you like it then go with it @Hawer . I'm only giving my opinion. I'd find it strange if you said your name was Paul but you had a strong Polish accent.

It’s a super name. Reminds me of the John Travolta film Michael.

Thank you everyone for your honest perspectives. It’s reassuring to know Michael fits my age group well. For me, this isn’t about blending in, but about finally choosing a name I’ve personally felt connected to for a very long time. I appreciate the support!

Michael is a nice traditional name. People may try to shorten the name to Mike, Mick, Mickey or Mikey. If you don't like any of the shortened nicknames, then just correct people if they use them. My name can be shortened but I always introduce myself by my full name.

It’s a good strong name which is entirely suitable and respectable for a man your age (or any age really!)

Good luck with college and the next chapter of your life in England!

Michael's a nice name and if you like it you should go for it! Lots of people change their names for all sorts of reasons, whether officially by deed poll or just adopting a nickname, so there's absolutely no reason why you shouldn't if you want to.

What an ignorant and unhelpful comment.

@Hawer As many others have said Michael is a great choice - you love it and are changing your name for the ‘right’ reasons, it is international/bridges cultures similarly to Sarah/Adam/Hannah etc. it’s also one which wouldn’t be jarring for you age the way names which have suddenly become very popular might - I’d be shocked to meet a 44 year old called Bodhi or Albie or Ernest but Michael isn’t so common you’re sure to be one of several.

Go for it and enjoy it!

If anything it's giving dead paedo pop star vibes.

Of all the people who are or have been called Michael, that's the one your mind jumps to?