Mike

Mike is an English short form of the biblical name Michael, which means "Who is like God?" This short form made its way from the English-speaking world to Germany in the mid-20th century.

What does the name Mike mean?

The name Mike, as a shortened form of Michael, gained popularity in Germany during the 1950s and was frequently used, especially in East Germany. Over time, the Germanized variants Maik and Meik developed from Mike. Although the name's popularity has decreased since the late 20th century, it continues to be present in the spellings Mike and Maik in Germany. Alternative spellings include Maic and Mayk. Notable bearers of the name include German comedian and actor Mike Krüger and American boxer Mike Tyson, both of whom are commonly known as Michael in everyday life. A common nickname for Mike is Mikey. Other English short forms of Michael include Mick, Mickey, Micky, and Mitch.

Where does the name Mike come from?

The name Mike, as a diminutive of Michael, has its roots in the biblical name Mikha'el (Hebrew מִיכָאֵל mîkhā’el). This is composed of the three ancient Hebrew elements mî (who), kə (like), and ’el (God). The ancient Hebrew components are: mî = who, kə = like, and ’el = God.

How do you pronounce Mike?

The pronunciation of Mike is monosyllabic and concise. In German, the name is usually pronounced as "Maik" [maɪ̯k], with the diphthong "ei" creating an open and dynamic sound. The final hard "k" provides a distinctive ending. Mike conveys a modern and direct impression – it is youthful, clear, and present.

When is the name day of Mike?

The most important name day for Mike is celebrated on September 29, St. Michael's Day.

Popularity

In Germany, Mike is among the common first names. Currently, it ranks 528th on the list of the most popular male baby names. Its best placement was in 1975, reaching 25th place. In the last ten years, Mike has been chosen as a first name approximately 1,400 times, placing it 421st in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 377th. Worldwide, Mike has varying rankings in the first name charts.

Nicknames & pet names

Key / Maiki / Maiku / Mc Hammer / Mick / Mickey / Mickey Maus / Micki / Mieke / Miggelangelo / Mighty-Moe / Mike-Hammer / Mikechen / Mikeiboy / Mikesch / Mikesh / Mikey / Mikey-Boy / Miki / Mikibebii / Mikiboy / Mikinator / Mikke / Mikkel / Mikki / Mikus / Miky / Mikä / Mimi / Smike

Similar first names

Maic

Famous people

• Michael Edward Mills (bassist of REM)
• Mike Altieri (American actor)
• Mike Barker (American film producer)
• Mike Brooks (English musician)
• Mike Custer (American football player)
• Mike Difelice (American baseball player)
• Mike Dirnt (bassist and singer of Green Day)
• Mike Gerhold (singer)
• Mike Hampton (American baseball player)
• Mike Hanke (football player)
• Mike Hannigan (character from the sitcom Friends)
• Mike Hermann-Rader (actor)
• Mike Hranica (singer of a metalcore band (The Devil Wears Prada))
• Mike Kearby (American writer)
• Mike Kelley (American artist)
• Mike Kroeger (bassist and songwriter of the rock band Nickelback)
• Mike Krüger (comedian and actor)
• Mike Lafferty (American alpine ski racer)
• Mike Le Han (film director from England)
• Mike Marcinkiewicz (Canadian ice hockey player)