English form of a common biblical name (meaning ‘who is like
God?’ in Hebrew) borne by one of the archangels, the protector
of the ancient Hebrews, who is also regarded as a saint of the
Catholic Church. In the Middle Ages, Michael was regarded as
captain of the heavenly host (see Revelation 12:7–9), symbol of
the Church Militant, and patron of soldiers. He was often
depicted bearing a flaming sword. The name is also borne by a
Persian prince and ally of Belshazzar mentioned in the Book of
Daniel. Since the early 1900s it has been one of the most
enduringly popular boys' names in the English-speaking world.
See also Michal.