Mitchell

Mitchell is a surname and given name of English and Scottish origin. The surname derives from the given name Michael and developed as a patronymic form meaning “son of Michael” or “descendant of Michael.” Variants include Michell, Mitchell, Mitchel, and Michel. As a given name, Mitchell is primarily masculine in English-speaking countries, and while less common, it can be used as a female name in some families adopting a surname as a first name.

Mitchell is widely found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting historical migration and settlement. In addition to personal names, Mitchell appears in place names and institutions. There are towns named Mitchell in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as geographic features and administrative regions named Mitchell in various areas.

A notable institution bearing the name is the Mitchell Library in Glasgow, Scotland, one of Europe’s largest public reference libraries. The surname also figures in cultural and public life through numerous individuals who have contributed to politics, sports, the arts, and academia. Through its long history and broad distribution, Mitchell continues to appear in personal naming, geography, and institutions across the English-speaking world.