Mikhail

Mikhail is a masculine given name used in Slavic countries. It is the Russian form of Michael, derived from the Hebrew Mikha'el meaning "Who is like God?" The name has been borne by saints and religious figures, which helped its spread in Eastern Europe.

In Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, Mikhail is common; variations include Mihail in Bulgarian and Mihailo in some South Slavic languages. The Ukrainian form Mykhailo exists; diminutives include Misha and Mishka. The patronymic form is Mikhailovich for sons and Mikhailovna for daughters.

Notable bearers include Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union; Mikhail Kalashnikov, designer of the AK-47; Mikhail Baryshnikov, dancer and actor; Mikhail Lomonosov, scientist and writer; and Mikhail Prokhorov, businessman.

The name appears in literature and religious contexts; Saint Michael the Archangel is widely known in Orthodox and Western Christian traditions, and the Slavic form Mikhail remains common in naming across the former Soviet states.