Meaning & History
Mikkel is a Danish and Norwegian given name, equivalent to the English name Michael. It can also derive from the Scandinavian root mikill meaning "enormous". The name's ultimate origin is the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Miḵaʾel) meaning "who is like God?", a rhetorical question implying no person is like God.
Etymology
Mikkel is a Danish and Norwegian form of Michael. The name Michael is derived from the Hebrew phrase Mi kha'el, combining the particles mi "who", ke "like", and ʾel "God". In Scandinavian languages, the name is often adapted as Mikkel, with the variant Mikael also common in Norwegian.
Notable Bearers
Several notable individuals bear the name Mikkel, including Danish ice hockey right winger Mikkel Bødker (born 1989), Danish former football player Mikkel Beck (born 1973), Danish novelist Mikkel Birkegaard, and American photographer Mikkel Aaland (born 1952). In sports, Mikkel is also the name of Norwegian-born American soccer player Mikkel Diskerud (born 1990).
Cultural Significance
As a Scandinavian form of Michael, Mikkel shares in the rich history of the angelic name. Michael is one of the archangels in Hebrew tradition, appearing in the Book of Daniel (see Daniel 12:1) as a protector of Israel and later in the Book of Revelation as the leader of heaven's armies against Satan. Due to this, Michael is considered the patron saint of soldiers in Christianity. The name has been common in Europe since the Middle Ages, and its Scandinavian forms like Mikkel have persisted as popular given names.
Distribution
Mikkel is primarily used in Denmark and Norway. In Denmark, it has a feminine form Mikkeline, and the surname Mikkelsen meaning "son of Mikkel" is common.
- Meaning: "Who is like God?" (via Michael) or "enormous" (from Scandinavian root mikill)
- Origin: Hebrew, adapted into Danish and Norwegian
- Type: Given name (masculine)
- Usage regions: Denmark, Norway
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Mikkel