NameCensus.

UK surname

Michael

A Biblical surname derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning "Who is like God?"

In the 1881 census there were 1,610 people recorded with the Michael surname, ranking it #2,654 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 5,382, ranked #1,245, up from #2,654 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Llandilofawr, Llandyfeysaint and Glasgow. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Enfield and Neath Port Talbot.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Michael is 5,382 in 2016. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 234.3%.

1881 census count

1,610

Ranked #2,654

Modern count

5,382

2016, ranked #1,245

Peak year

2016

5,382 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Michael had 1,610 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,654 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 5,382 in 2016, ranked #1,245.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 1,862 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Michael surname distribution map

The map shows where the Michael surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Michael surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Michael over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 1,372 #2,093
1861 historical 1,488 #1,899
1881 historical 1,610 #2,654
1891 historical 1,692 #2,669
1901 historical 1,862 #2,824
1911 historical 1,743 #2,815
1997 modern 4,116 #1,574
1998 modern 4,307 #1,560
1999 modern 4,398 #1,543
2000 modern 4,370 #1,544
2001 modern 4,298 #1,540
2002 modern 4,409 #1,535
2003 modern 4,543 #1,461
2004 modern 4,608 #1,441
2005 modern 4,677 #1,395
2006 modern 4,753 #1,375
2007 modern 4,922 #1,340
2008 modern 4,945 #1,345
2009 modern 5,063 #1,347
2010 modern 5,260 #1,322
2011 modern 5,188 #1,320
2012 modern 5,142 #1,305
2013 modern 5,335 #1,281
2014 modern 5,355 #1,285
2015 modern 5,316 #1,276
2016 modern 5,382 #1,245

Geography

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Where Michaels are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos), Llandilofawr, Llandyfeysaint, Glasgow, Swansea and Llandebie. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Enfield and Neath Port Talbot. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Ystradyfodwg (incl. Rhigos) Glamorganshire
2 Llandilofawr, Llandyfeysaint Carmarthenshire
3 Glasgow Lanark
4 Swansea Glamorganshire
5 Llandebie Carmarthenshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Enfield 026 Enfield
2 Enfield 031 Enfield
3 Enfield 035 Enfield
4 Neath Port Talbot 007 Neath Port Talbot
5 Neath Port Talbot 013 Neath Port Talbot

Forenames

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First names often paired with Michael

These lists show first names that appear often with the Michael surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Michael

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Michael, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Michael surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Michael household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Michael is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Michael is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Michael falls in decile 4 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

4
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Michael is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

This describes the area pattern most associated with Michael, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Michael

The surname Michael is an English, Scottish, and German surname derived from the Hebrew personal name Michael, which means "who is like God?". This name was borne by one of the archangels in the Bible. The name first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, brought over by Norman settlers.

In England, the earliest recorded bearer of the surname was Radulfus filius Michael, who was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1176. The name also appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire in 1273, with the spelling Michel. Some early variations of the spelling included Michell, Mitchel, and Mitchell.

In Scotland, the surname Michael can be traced back to the 13th century. One of the earliest recorded bearers was Michael de Mernyn, who was mentioned in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, which were a series of homage rolls for King Edward I of England.

The surname Michael can also be found in Germany, where it originated as a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Michael. One of the earliest recorded instances was in the town of Lübeck in 1292, where a man named Heinricus Michael was mentioned in the town records.

Some notable historical figures with the surname Michael include:

1. Sir John Michael (c. 1508 - 1551), an English politician and Member of Parliament. 2. Johann Michael (1572 - 1619), a German composer and organist. 3. Francis Michael (1750 - 1828), an English writer and philosopher. 4. John Michael (1804 - 1886), an English clergyman and author. 5. William Michael (1846 - 1920), an American politician and lawyer who served as the 27th Governor of South Carolina.

The surname Michael has also been associated with various place names, such as Michael's Church in Hertfordshire, England, and the village of Michaelston-le-Pit in Monmouthshire, Wales.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Michael families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Michael surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Glamorgan leads with 354 Michaels recorded in 1881 and an index of 12.94x.

County Total Index
Glamorgan 354 12.94x
Middlesex 112 0.71x
Carmarthenshire 108 16.32x
Lincolnshire 102 4.06x
Monmouthshire 96 8.46x
Lancashire 80 0.43x
Pembrokeshire 58 11.62x
Aberdeenshire 44 3.03x
Renfrewshire 41 3.37x
Lanarkshire 38 0.75x
Ross-shire 34 7.88x
Anglesey 32 11.50x
Brecknockshire 31 9.87x
Surrey 31 0.41x
Inverness-shire 30 6.40x
Durham 29 0.62x
Cardiganshire 28 7.31x
Yorkshire 28 0.18x
Gloucestershire 27 0.88x
Herefordshire 27 4.19x
Cornwall 25 1.41x
Midlothian 22 1.05x
Wigtownshire 18 8.63x
Denbighshire 15 2.53x
Shropshire 15 1.11x
Northumberland 14 0.60x
Somerset 13 0.51x
Cheshire 12 0.35x
Kent 9 0.17x
Orkney 9 5.21x
Banffshire 8 2.46x
Caernarfonshire 8 1.26x
Northamptonshire 8 0.54x
Stirlingshire 8 1.38x
Sussex 8 0.30x
Worcestershire 8 0.39x
Devon 7 0.21x
Norfolk 7 0.29x
Suffolk 7 0.37x
Channel Islands 6 1.29x
Sutherland 6 4.97x
Nairnshire 5 10.43x
Warwickshire 5 0.13x
Berkshire 4 0.34x
Derbyshire 4 0.16x
Perthshire 4 0.57x
Wiltshire 4 0.29x
Ayrshire 2 0.17x
Cumberland 2 0.15x
Essex 2 0.06x
Flintshire 2 0.47x
Kirkcudbrightshire 2 0.88x
Nottinghamshire 2 0.09x
Radnorshire 2 1.58x
Angus 1 0.07x
Dumfriesshire 1 0.29x
Montgomeryshire 1 0.28x
Morayshire 1 0.41x
Royal Navy 1 0.53x
Staffordshire 1 0.02x
West Lothian 1 0.42x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Oystermouth in Glamorgan leads with 73 Michaels recorded in 1881 and an index of 344.99x.

Place Total Index
Oystermouth 73 344.99x
Swansea Town 50 22.30x
Kilgerran 42 697.67x
Neath 41 73.69x
Skidbrook 30 1345.29x
Abbey 27 14.54x
Ystradyfodwg 26 10.84x
Llanarthney 24 240.48x
Mile End Old Town 24 9.68x
Clase 23 22.62x
Holyhead 23 44.32x
Kensington London 23 2.63x
Llandilo Fawr 23 77.94x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 21 2.48x
Bedwellty 19 9.48x
Toxteth Park 18 2.85x
North Somercotes 17 258.75x
Bettws 16 169.67x
Everton 16 2.69x
Trevethin 16 14.92x
Llandilo Talybont 15 104.46x
Llanyblodwell 15 297.62x
Glasgow 14 1.55x
Peterhead 14 18.20x
South Somercoates 14 614.04x
Aberystwith 13 39.42x
Llantwit Lower 13 54.08x
Llanelly 12 8.05x
Merthyr Tydfil 12 4.57x
Paisley Middle Church 12 16.93x
Aberavon 11 43.70x
Aberdare 11 5.86x
Aberystruth 11 10.99x
Clifton 11 7.06x
East Newchurch 11 506.91x
Roath 11 8.86x
Gairloch 10 40.23x
Hackney London 10 1.14x
Kirkdale 10 3.19x
Lambeth 10 0.73x
Wallsend 10 13.49x
Wigtown 10 84.03x
Barony 9 0.70x
Gorran 9 180.36x
Kilmorack 9 63.29x
Michaelstone Super Avon 9 30.40x
Nigg 9 166.67x
Shapinshay 9 171.76x
Briton Ferry 8 24.52x
Dyce 8 127.59x
Govan 8 0.64x
Kirkhill 8 100.50x
Leswalt 8 56.02x
Llandebie 8 41.67x
Llanfihangel 8 167.71x
Llantrisant 8 11.61x
Slamannan 8 25.22x
Applecross 7 57.76x
Bangor 7 11.43x
Boleskine Abertarff 7 89.97x
Crickhowell 7 96.42x
Ewyas Harold 7 238.10x
Felthorpe 7 278.88x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 7 3.46x
Lakenheath 7 69.31x
Llanelly 7 18.63x
Llangasty Talyllyn 7 608.70x
Llanvihangel Torymynydd 7 795.45x
Old Deer 7 25.40x
Westbury On Severn East 7 10.05x
Aberlour 6 58.08x
Bedminster 6 2.53x
Blackburn 6 1.21x
Creich 6 49.88x
Hammersmith London 6 1.55x
Islington London 6 0.39x
Llanwonno 6 6.11x
Northampton St Giles 6 10.66x
St Clement 6 32.33x
Sutton Stoneferry 6 13.47x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Michael surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 112
Elizabeth 62
Margaret 39
Ann 37
Sarah 34
Jane 27
Catherine 20
Anne 19
Ellen 17
Hannah 15
Eliza 14
Charlotte 12
Maria 12
Emily 11
Emma 10
Alice 8
Edith 7
Ada 6
Annie 6
Eleanor 6
Esther 6
Clara 5
Kate 5
Rebecca 5
Amelia 4
Elizth. 4
Ethel 4
Louisa 4
Lucy 4
Maggie 4
Margt. 4
Rachel 4
Ruth 4
Sophia 4
Susan 4
Susannah 4
Frances 3
Grace 3
Harriet 3
Isabella 3
Martha 3
Adelaide 2
Caroline 2
Elen 2
Elenor 2
Elinor 2
Margreta 2
Marian 2
Marion 2
Minnie 2

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Michael surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

FAQ

Michael surname: questions and answers

How common was the Michael surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,610 people were recorded with the Michael surname. That placed it at #2,654 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Michael surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 5,382 in 2016. That gives Michael a modern rank of #1,245.

What does the Michael surname mean?

A Biblical surname derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning "Who is like God?"

What does the Michael map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Michael bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.