Mykel
Primarily a boy's name of Hebrew origin with 3,371 recorded births. Also given to 713 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Mykel peaked during the Millennial wave, when 139 babies received this name in a single year (1990). That era was defined by pop-culture-influenced, individuality-forward naming, and Mykel remains in active use today — a name that has outlasted its original moment.
In the most recent SSA release, Mykel ranks #2220 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Mykel is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, an alternate spelling of Michael, from the Hebrew Mikha'el meaning 'who is like God?' — a rhetorical question implying that no one compares to the divine. The Mykel spelling gives this biblical powerhouse a modern, individualized twist.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Mykel belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Hebrew naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Hebrew names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Mykel’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Mykel was #1289 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2220, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 403 | #1926 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 741 | #2012 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 1,053 | #1406 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 790 | #1376 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 367 | #2276 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 17 | #5968 | — |
The Story of Mykel
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1990, Mykel is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Mykel are most likely born between 1980 and 2000.
How rare is Mykel?
Only about 1 in every 55,385 babies born in 2024 was named Mykel — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1977, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2000s with 1,053 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Mykel by the numbers
- Would fill 70 school buses
- Meeting one Mykel per day would take 9.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(48 years, 1977–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 65 | #2220 |
| 2023 | 86 | #1860 |
| 2022 | 89 | #1821 |
| 2021 | 84 | #1847 |
| 2020 | 79 | #1883 |
| 2019 | 64 | #2204 |
| 2018 | 58 | #2319 |
| 2017 | 48 | #2620 |
| 2016 | 59 | #2271 |
| 2015 | 63 | #2182 |
| 2014 | 81 | #1836 |
| 2013 | 78 | #1844 |
| 2012 | 96 | #1622 |
| 2011 | 98 | #1585 |
| 2010 | 96 | #1633 |
| 2009 | 106 | #1554 |
| 2008 | 120 | #1411 |
| 2007 | 118 | #1396 |
| 2006 | 104 | #1475 |
| 2005 | 124 | #1265 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Mykel as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Mykel has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 713 births since 1975.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mykel a boy's or girl's name?
When was Mykel most popular?
How popular is the name Mykel?
Can Mykel be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1977–2024