Mitchel

Mitchel is a surname and given name used primarily in English-speaking countries. It is a variant spelling of Mitchell, distinguished by the single “l” at the end. While Mitchell is far more common, Mitchel persists in families and can appear as either a first or last name.

Origin and meaning: The name Mitchel ultimately derives from the given name Michael, from the Hebrew Mikha’el, meaning “Who is like God?” In English usage, the suffix -el can function as a diminutive or patronymic marker, so Mitchel may have originated as “son of Michael” or “little Michael.” The spelling Mitchel appears in medieval records and remains in use in parts of the English-speaking world.

Variants and related names: Major variants include Mitchell, Michell, Michels, and Mickell, among others. The form Mitchel is one of several spellings that arose from regional pronunciation and clerical variation.

Usage and distribution: Mitchel is significantly less common today than Mitchell but remains present in family names and, occasionally, as a given name. It occurs across Anglophone countries and among populations with English heritage, though regional preferences vary.

See also: Mitchell (surname); Mitchel (disambiguation).