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Origin and meaning of the name Mihail

What is the origin of the name Mihail?

The name Mihail is of Slavic origin, derived from the Greek name Michael. In Slavic languages, it is often transliterated as Mikhail or Михаил. The name Michael comes from the Hebrew name מִיכאֵל (Mikha'el), meaning "who is like God?" It was borne by several saints, including Archangel Michael, who is highly revered in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Over time, various forms of the name have emerged across different languages and cultures.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Mihail

The name Mihail is a variant of Michael, which originates from the Hebrew name Micha'el, meaning "who is like God?" or "who resembles God?" in English. In Greek, it is transliterated as Μιχαήλ (Mikhail), and it is also found in other languages such as Russian (Михаил, Mikhail) and Bulgarian (Михайло, Michailo). The name Michael has been widely used across various cultures and religions throughout history. It was popularized by biblical figures like Archangel Michael, who is revered as a protector and the leader of the heavenly hosts in Christian tradition. Over time, the name has evolved into different forms in different languages, with Mihail being one such variant.

Character traits associated with the name Mihail

Mihail is often associated with strong leadership qualities, determination, and resilience. Hailing from Slavic origins, Mihail embodies a sense of courage and bravery, as reflected in historical figures like Michael the Brave, Prince of Wallachia. He is known for his assertive nature, yet compassionate towards those he cares about. Loyalty is a core trait for individuals named Mihail; they tend to value strong relationships and are reliable friends and partners. Intelligence and a strategic mindset contribute to Mihail's problem-solving abilities, enabling him to tackle complex issues with ease. However, like many individuals, he may struggle with being overly critical of himself or others at times, requiring self-awareness and emotional intelligence to navigate these challenges effectively.

Popularity of the name Mihail

Mihail is a common masculine given name originating from Slavic cultures, particularly in Eastern Europe. In Russia, it's the equivalent of Michael and is one of the most popular names due to its historical significance. The name has been borne by several Russian rulers, including Tsars Michael I, Michael II, and Michael III, which adds to its prominence in the region. It's also a widely used name in other Slavic countries such as Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Moldova. The popularity of Mihail can be attributed to its strong association with leadership, courage, and strength, qualities that are highly valued in many cultures. However, the exact ranking of the name varies from year to year and country to country depending on demographic trends and naming preferences.

Famous people with the name Mihail

Mihail (Mikhail/Michael) is a popular name, particularly in Slavic cultures, associated with several distinguished individuals across various fields and eras. Among them, Mikhail Gorbachev, the last President of the Soviet Union, played a significant role in ending the Cold War through his policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). In the realm of literature, Mikhail Lermontov, a Russian poet and novelist, is renowned for works like "A Hero of Our Time." Another notable figure is Mikhail Bulgakov, an acclaimed Soviet-era novelist best known for his satirical masterpiece, "The Master and Margarita." In the world of music, Michael Jackson, often referred to as the 'King of Pop,' gained international fame for his innovative music videos, dance moves, and iconic albums like "Thriller" and "Bad." Mihail Sarabia, a modern-day figure, is a Mexican professional soccer player who has represented Mexico internationally.

Variations of the name Mihail

Mihail is a Slavic given name, particularly common among Eastern Orthodox Christians. It originates from the Greek name Michael, meaning "who is like God?" or "who is resembling God?" This name has several variations across different languages and cultures. In Russian, it's spelled Михаил (Mikhail), while in Bulgarian it's Михол (Mihol). In Serbian, the name can be written as Михајло (Mihajlo) or Михаел (Mihael), and in Croatian, it's Михајло (Mihajlo) or Мајкл (Mikal). In Macedonian, the name is Михаил (Mihail), but it may also be spelled as Михаило (Mihailo) or Михаел (Mikael). The name can also appear in other Slavic languages, such as Czech (Michal), Polish (Michał), and Slovak (Michal). In Romanian, the variant is Mihai. These variations reflect its widespread use among the Slavic peoples.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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