Mikhaïl

Mikhaïl is a given name used in Francophone contexts as a French transliteration of the Slavic name Михаил. It is the French form of a broader family of names linked to Michael, with equivalents such as Mikhail, Mikhail, Michail, and Mihail in various languages. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew Mikha’el, meaning “Who is like God?”

In Cyrillic languages, the form Михаил is common, while Mikhaïl appears primarily in French-language texts or in transliterations intended for a French audience. The diacritic over the i (ï) in Mikhaïl signals in French orthography that the i forms a separate syllable, though pronunciation can vary by speaker and locale.

Cultural and religious associations contribute to the name’s wide distribution. The Archangel Michael is a central figure in Christian and Jewish traditions, and the name appears in liturgical calendars, saints’ lives, and regional customs across Europe and beyond. As a result, Mikhaïl and its variants have been borne by numerous historical figures in literature, science, religion, and public life, reflecting broader cultural ties to the name Michael.

Variations and related forms occur across languages, with Mikhail, Mikhail, Mihail, and Michael among the most common correspondences. The French form Mikhaïl remains a specialized transliteration used primarily in French texts, while global usage tends to favor other spellings in everyday writing.