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ETYMOLOGY:
The word "Michelle" is of Hebrew and French origin meaning "resembles God". In Italian it means "like the Lord". So the word Michelle is popularly understood to have a strong linkage with God!

ORIGIN & HISTORY:
The name has been traditionally used for naming girls and its masculine form is "Michael". In the Bible, Michael was an archangel who appeared in Daniel's vision as "the great prince" who defended Israel. In the Book of Revelation, he led the armies of God to victory. In Roman Catholicism, Michael is also the patron saint of death, Germany, grocers, police officers, and radiologists. Currently, the name remains popular in English and French speaking western countries only. So Michelle is popular amongst Christian families.

POPULARITY:
In the United States, Michelle reached its popularity peak between 1968 and 1972. It first reached the top 1000 female names in 1938. The great popularity increase seems to be due to the 1965 Beatles hit song "Michelle". Since 1972, the name has steadily declined in popularity to its current 80th place for female newborns.

Surprising, Michelle is not one of the top 100 baby names in Great Britain during the past five years. In 2000-2003 it was ranked 55th in popularity outside Great Britain.

FASCINATING FACTS:
"Michelle" is a 1965 Beatles song which is responsible for its popularity during those years. The name also seems to be very popular as a song and several bands have a number by this name. Bands that produced songs about Michelle are Lynyrd Skynyrd , Hootie and the blowfish ("Michelle Post") , Chet Atkins, Punk, The Over Landers, Guns n' Roses.
Besides, Tom Clancy named his daughter Michelle.

NAMESAKES:
Michelle Tanner is the name of the youngest daughter played by the Olsen twins in the TV series "Full House". Michelle Dessler is a character on the TV series "24". Michelle Fowler was a character in the BBC soap opera "Eastenders". Hurricane Michelle was a strong 2001 Atlantic tropical storm that wreaked havoc around Cuba. Michelle K is the name of a shoe company. The Michelle Gun Elephant' is a Japanese punk band.

FAMOUS PERSONS:
There are numerous famous people named Michelle'. Some of them are
Michelle Marie Pfeiffer, American Hollywood actress and Oscar winner, born 1958; Michelle Claire Ryan, British actress, born in 1984; Michelle Ingrid Williams, American actress, born in 1980; Michelle Christine Trachtenberg, American actress, born in 1985; Michelle Monique Reis, Hong Kong actress, born 1970. Michelle Lynn Monaghan, American actress, born in 1976; Michelle Gayle, British actress/singer, born in 1971; Michelle Shocked, American singer-songwriter, born in 1962; Michelle Wright, Canadian singer, born in 1961. Michelle Andrews, Australian athlete, born in 1971. Michelle Rohl, American race walker, born in 1965; Michelle Sung Wie, American golfer, born in 1989; Michelle Bachelet Jeria, President of Chile, born in 1951.

NAME VARIANTS:
As the name is used in several languages therefore it has several variants and spellings. Some of the popular ones are Michele, Me'shell, Michaela, Micheline, Shelly, and Shellie, Michelle:Michalina, Michaeline, Michelina, Micaela, Mikaela, Miguela, Nichella, Shell, Michal, Micheline, Micheline, Michelyn, Mikhaeli, Mikaei, Michaela, Michella, Michellene.
Note some of the names are similar but spelled differently.

Overall the name seems to be highly popular and remarkably, most people with this name seem to be talented in their own way! Another reason for its popularity could be that the name creates a romantic feeling as you pronounce the name. Do I hear you pronouncing it?

Learn more about this author, Saurabh Pal.
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