Michaël

Michaël is a masculine given name used primarily in French-speaking regions. It is the French form of Michael, which derives from the Hebrew Mikha'el, meaning “Who is like God?” The name has a long history in Christian contexts due to the archangel Michael and remains common in many Western communities.

In French usage, Michaël is a variant that uses a diaeresis on the final syllable to indicate three syllables (mi-cha-el) rather than two. Other languages render the name as Michael, Michel, or Michiel, reflecting different phonological traditions. The form Michaël is especially found in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and in some multilingual contexts.

The name is typically masculine and remains popular in contemporary Francophone culture, continuing to be chosen for its traditional and religious associations as well as its classic sound. Variants and related forms appear across European language groups, adapting to local spelling conventions while preserving the same root.

Notable people named Michaël include Michaël Youn, a French actor, comedian, and musician; Michaël Ciani, a French professional footballer; and Michaël Guigou, a prominent French handball player. These examples illustrate the name’s continued presence in public life in the French-speaking world.