What Does the Name Micah Mean? (2024)

Micah is an old Hebrew name that means “Who is like God?” It’s a biblical name and appears several times in the Bible. There’s a chapter of the bible called the “Book of Micah” in the Old Testament. Micah was also the name of a prophet in the bible. He was known as Micah of Moresheth, a prophet who predicted the collapse of the kingdom of Jerusalem.

Micah is traditionally considered a unisex name and is a perfect option for parents looking for non-gendered names for their baby. If you like the name, but are looking for a softer alternative for a baby girl, Myka is a more feminine variation you could consider. Micah could also be a variation of the common English masculine name, Michael.

Micah is also considered a short form for the name Micaiah, an old Hebrew name that also means “Who is like God?” If you are a book lover, you might recognize the name Micah from "Sherlock Holmes" author Arthur Conan Doyle’s other historical novel, called Micah Clarke.

How Popular Is the Name Micah?

While Micah isn’t as popular as its most common variation, Michael, it’s a great option for people who are looking for a fresh take on the traditionally masculine name. The name Micah became common towards the end of the 20th century. It was introduced as an English name by the Puritans, a sect of protestants who were against the Catholic church between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Between the 1950s and the early 1970s, Micah wasn’t a popular name in the United States. It started to rise in popularity in the late '70s and has remained fairly popular. It has, however, never made it onto the list of the top 100 most popular names for boys in the United States. It came close in 2011 where it ranked as the 102nd most popular name for boys in the United States. The name Micah is the 107th most popular name in the United States as of 2020.

Even though it’s traditionally a boy’s name, it saw a surge in the use for girls in the 1990s in the United States. Some parents considered it a unique alternative to the common feminine name Michaela. In 1998, Micah reached 582 on the list of girl's names at the peak of its popularity in the United States.

Name Variations

Micah has several variations. The name, itself, is considered to be the short form of a longer name, Micaiah. Here are some other common variations of the name:

• Micajah (Biblical)
• Micha (Dutch, German)
• Michaias (Greek)
• Michaeas (Latin)
• Micheas (Latin)
• Mikhah (Hebrew)
• Mikhayahu (Hebrew)

Similar Names

Micah is a great biblical name to give your baby boy or girl. If you want to consider other similar biblical or historical names to give your baby, here are some great options:

• Abigail
• Eli
• Elisha
• Elijah
• Ezra
• Gabriel
• Hannah
• Issac
• Jacob
• Jonah
• Levi
• Micah
• Noah

Famous People Named Micah

Micah might not be in the top 100 most popular names for boys in the United States, but it’s a unique and traditional name for your baby. Here are famous people who also dawn the name:

• Micah Gunnell, American comic book artist
• Micah Hyde, American football player for the Buffalo Bills
• Micah Johnson, American baseball player
• Micah Kogo, Kenyan long-distance runner
• Micah Owings, American professional baseball player
• Micah P. Hinson, American musician
• Micah Stephen Williams, American actor