Mykell
Primarily a boy's name with 798 recorded births. Also given to 258 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Parents who choose Mykell tend to be looking for something that feels real but not common — a name with 798 recorded births and a peak of 42 in 2006, enough history to feel legitimate without being ordinary.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Mykell a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
In the most recent SSA release, Mykell ranks #5168 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Mykell is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, a variant spelling of Michael, meaning 'who is like God?' — a rhetorical question implying no one compares to the divine. The alternate spelling gives this enduringly popular name a distinctive visual form.
Michael has been one of the most consistently used names in U.S. history. Mykell offers a way to honor that heritage while standing apart from the crowd.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Mykell is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1987–2024). American naming is uniquely syncretic — it borrows from dozens of traditions, invents freely, and recombines elements in ways that make strict etymological tracing difficult for many names.
Today, Mykell is an active part of the American naming landscape (ranked #5168), continuing to accumulate its own cultural meaning with each new child who carries it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Mykell was #2627 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #5168, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 114 | #4608 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 246 | #4326 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 311 | #3402 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 111 | #5806 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 16 | #7880 | — |
The Story of Mykell
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2006, Mykell is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Mykell are most likely born between 1996 and 2016.
How rare is Mykell?
Only about 1 in every 189,474 babies born in 2024 was named Mykell — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1987, peaked in the 2000s with 311 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Mykell by the numbers
- Would fill 17 school buses
- Meeting one Mykell per day would take 2.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(38 years, 1987–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 19 | #5168 |
| 2023 | 18 | #5394 |
| 2022 | 23 | #4532 |
| 2021 | 30 | #3710 |
| 2020 | 24 | #4234 |
| 2019 | 19 | #5097 |
| 2018 | 20 | #4866 |
| 2017 | 20 | #4877 |
| 2016 | 17 | #5472 |
| 2015 | 22 | #4498 |
| 2014 | 26 | #3979 |
| 2013 | 23 | #4273 |
| 2012 | 33 | #3340 |
| 2011 | 27 | #3861 |
| 2010 | 39 | #2993 |
| 2009 | 38 | #3086 |
| 2008 | 33 | #3401 |
| 2007 | 33 | #3359 |
| 2006 | 42 | #2778 |
| 2005 | 35 | #2997 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Mykell as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Mykell has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 258 births since 1984.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mykell a boy's or girl's name?
When was Mykell most popular?
How popular is the name Mykell?
Can Mykell be used for both boys and girls?
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1987–2024