Origin and meaning of the name Miha

The origins of the name Miha can be traced back to multiple cultures, but it is most commonly associated with Slavic and Hebrew roots. In Slavic cultures, particularly among the Slovenes and Croatians, Miha is a variant of the name Michael, which derives from the Hebrew name Micha'el (מִיכָאֵל), meaning "who is like God?" However, it's also found in other languages such as Basque, where Mihail or Mikel are common names. In this context, Mihail or Mikel originate from the Greek name Michael and have been adopted into the Basque language. It's important to note that names often have various historical and cultural interpretations, and their meanings can change over time as they spread across different regions and cultures.

Learn more about the origin of the name Miha

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Miha

The name Miha is a variant of Michael, which has Hebrew origins. In Hebrew, Michael means "who is like God?" This name gained popularity due to the archangel Michael in Christian tradition. In some cultures, particularly Slavic countries like Slovakia and Slovenia, the name Miha is used as a shortened form of the traditional names Mihovil, Mihailo, or Mikhail. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have slightly varied across different regions, leading to variations such as Mihajlo, Mihail, Misha, and Miha. The name Miha is cherished for its strong and divine connotation, symbolizing a powerful protector, similar to the archangel Michael it was named after.

Character traits associated with the name Miha

Miha is often associated with individuals who are determined, resilient, and independent. They possess a strong sense of self and are known for their ability to persevere through challenges. Mihas are also creative problem solvers, always seeking innovative solutions to complex issues. They tend to be introspective, thoughtful, and empathetic, showing deep concern for the well-being of others. These individuals value honesty and integrity and strive to maintain strong moral principles. Mihas have a natural ability to inspire and motivate those around them, making them effective leaders in various aspects of life. Their resourcefulness, coupled with their emotional intelligence, allows them to navigate through difficult situations with grace and poise.

Popularity of the name Miha

The given name Miha is primarily associated with Slavic cultures, particularly among individuals of Croatian and Slovene descent. In these regions, Miha (or Mihajlo/Mihael) ranks as a common male name, reflecting its historical and cultural significance. In Croatia, it is listed among the top 100 most popular names for boys, while in Slovenia, it has fluctuated between the 30th to 60th position over the past few decades. Beyond these areas, its usage is less prevalent globally, although it may be found among Slavic diaspora communities. It's worth noting that variations like Mihailo (Serbian), Mikhail (Russian), and Miguel (Spanish) share similar roots but have different levels of popularity in their respective cultures.

Famous people with the name Miha

Miha is a less common given name, but it has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. In the world of sports, Miha Zajc is a Slovenian alpine skier who competed at the Winter Olympics. Another prominent figure is Miha Artan, an Albanian footballer known for his time with Partizani Tirana and the Albania national team. In literature, Miha Matejčič is a Slovene writer and journalist. Additionally, there is Miha Kuarjew, a Russian actor and singer who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. Lastly, Mihaela Pogacar is a Slovenian ski jumper who has won several international competitions. These individuals are just a few examples of people named Miha who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Variations of the name Miha

The name Miha has several variations, stemming from different languages and cultures. Here are some of them:

1. Michael (Greek): This is a popular variant of Miha, which means "who is like God" in Hebrew.
2. Mihailo (Serbian/Russian): In Serbian and Russian, the name is spelled Mihailo, and it has the same meaning as Michael.
3. Migue (Spanish): This is a shortened form of Miguel, which is the Spanish version of Miha. It means "who resembles God."
4. Mehmet (Turkish): A common variant of Miha in Turkish-speaking cultures, it is often spelled as Mehmed and means "praised" or "admired."
5. Mihovil/Mihovilj (Croatian): These are Croatian forms of the name, with Mihovil being the masculine form and Mihovilj being a diminutive. Both mean "who resembles God."
6. Mehdi (Persian): In Persian culture, Miha is sometimes spelled as Mehdi, which means "guided by God" or "divinely guided."
7. Mihail (Romanian): The Romanian variant of the name is Mihail, and it shares the same meaning as Michael.
8. Mieke (Dutch): In Dutch, Miha is sometimes spelled as Mieke, which is a diminutive form of Michaela or Mikaela. It means "who resembles God" or "God-like."

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "miha"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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