At its core, Micah is a theophoric name of Hebrew origin meaning “Who is like God?” It serves as a rhetorical question, implying humility and awe.
Verdict: Micah is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the familiarity of a classic like Michael without the ubiquity. If you are looking for a name that feels established, approachable, and carries a quiet strength, Micah is a top-tier contender.
Micah Overview
- Meaning: Micah means “Who is like God?” It’s a first name from the Hebrew Bible, and is theophoric, which means it bears the name of God.
- Gender: Micah is a name primarily given to male babies. However, there are iterations of the name that are specific to females, though this is not yet as commonly found.
- Origin: The origin of the name Micah is Hebrew. It comes from the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, where there was “The Book of Micah,” about the prophet Micah.
- Pronunciation: Micah is pronounced as “MAI-kuh.” This pronunciation chooses to emphasize the first syllable.
- Popularity: Micah is a popular name and was in the top 150 names for boys (107th) in 2020. For girls, it was just over the top 1000.
- Nicknames: Ike, Mic, Mike, Mikey, Miko, Kuh.
- Variations: Micha, Michaiah, Michaihu, Michaeas, Michaias, Micheas, Mika, Mikhayahu, Mikhayhu, Myka.
- Namesakes: Micah Ian War Dog Wright, writer of Native American descent who wrote television, prose, comics, and video games.
What Does Micah Mean?
The name Micah is a rhetorical question compressed into a name. It translates from Hebrew to mean “Who is like God?” or more specifically, “Who is like Yahweh?”
This is not a question seeking an answer; rather, it is an exclamation of humility. The implied answer is “no one.” It is a theophoric name, meaning it embeds the name of the deity (Yahweh) within the name itself. Originally, the name was likely a shortened form of Mikhayah or Mikhayahu. It shares this etymological root with the name Michael, though they feature different endings referring to God (Yahweh vs. Elohim).
Where Does the Name Micah Come From?
The origin of the name Micah is deeply rooted in ancient Hebrew history. It is most famously associated with the Prophet Micah in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). He is one of the twelve “Minor Prophets,” though his impact was major.
Micah of Moresheth preached in Judah during the 8th century BCE. He is celebrated for a specific verse, Micah 6:8, which summarizes the requirements of faith: “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Because of this positive historical association, the name has enjoyed thousands of years of usage within Jewish communities before spreading to the wider English-speaking world during the Protestant Reformation.
How Popular is the Name Micah?
Micah is what we classify as a “modern classic.” While it has ancient roots, it did not enter the mainstream US consciousness until the latter half of the 20th century.
It entered the US Top 1000 in 1959 and saw a meteoric rise during the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike trendy names that spike and crash, Micah has remained remarkably stable. It has hovered comfortably in or near the Top 100 to Top 150 names for boys for nearly three decades. It is a “Goldilocks” name: familiar enough that everyone can spell it, but not so common that there will be three of them in one kindergarten class.
How Do I Pronounce Micah?
The standard English pronunciation is MAI-kuh.
It is a two-syllable name where the emphasis falls heavily on the first syllable. The “ah” ending is soft and open.
Is Micah a Boy or Girl Name?
Traditionally, Micah is a masculine name. In the US, it ranks consistently high for boys. However, the soft vowel ending has made it increasingly appealing for girls, following the trend of using “soft boy names” (like Noah or Ezra) for daughters.
When used for girls, parents often opt for variations like Myka or Mika to feminize the appearance, though the original spelling is occasionally used for girls as well.
Variations of Micah
Because Micah is a name with biblical ties, it has traveled across the globe. Here are the most common international variations:
- Mika (Finnish/Russian)
- Micha (German/Dutch)
- Mikhail (Russian – related root)
- Mikkjal (Faroese)
- Myka (Modern English feminine)
- Michaiah (Hebrew archaic)
Nicknames for Micah
Micah is short enough to stand on its own, but there are several nickname options ranging from obvious to creative:
- Mike / Mikey: The most obvious and traditional short form.
- Mikes: A friendly, casual twist.
- Ike: A vintage-style nickname derived from the second syllable.
- Cai: A modern, creative nickname pulling from the phonetic “Kai” sound in the middle.
- Mac: A stretch, but a cool, rugged option.
Names Similar to Micah
If you love the vibe of Micah but want to explore alternatives, look for names that are biblical, soft-sounding, or end in vowels.
- Jonah: Shares the biblical prophet origin and the gentle “ah” ending.
- Ezra: Another scribe/prophet name that is currently very stylish.
- Caleb: A biblical contemporary that feels rugged and kind.
- Asher: Hebrew for “happy,” sharing the soft, vowel-heavy sound.
- Elias: A Greek variation of Elijah that feels intellectual and classic.
- Levi: Short, punchy, and biblical.
- Noah: The ultimate “soft biblical” name, though much more popular than Micah.
- Silas: Shares the New Testament history and the vintage feel.
Middle Names for Micah
Micah pairs beautifully with a variety of styles. Here are three distinct directions you can take.
Timeless Classics
These names ground Micah in tradition and history.
Modern & Cool
These pairings give the name a contemporary, slightly edgier flair.
- Micah Grey
- Micah Jude
- Micah Wilder
- Micah Rhys
- Micah Hayes
Earthy & Nature-Inspired
Since “Mica” is a mineral, the name already has a subtle connection to the earth.
- Micah River
- Micah Reed
- Micah Stone
- Micah Forest
- Micah Brooks
Sibling Names for Micah
Creating a sib-set requires matching the era and the “gentleness” of the name.
For a Brother
For a Sister
Famous People Named Micah
Micah has been borne by athletes, musicians, and writers.
- Micah Parsons: A dominant American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, bringing a tough, athletic association to the name.
- Micah Richards: Former English Premier League footballer and popular sports pundit known for his infectious laugh.
- Micah P. Hinson: An American Americana singer and guitarist with a cult following.
- Micah Solusod: A prolific voice actor known for his roles in major anime series.
- Micah Owings: A former Major League Baseball pitcher known for his batting ability.
Micah in Pop Culture
- Micah Bell: The infamous antagonist in the blockbuster video game Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Micah Sanders: A child prodigy capable of technopathy in the hit TV series Heroes.
- King Micah: A heroic character and father figure in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
- Micah Clarke: The titular protagonist of Arthur Conan Doyle’s adventure novel.
FAQs About the Name Micah
Is Micah Related to Nationality?
Though we know Micah is a Hebrew feminine name, is it specific to one country? The short answer is no, Micah is not primarily used in one country. The Prophet Micah was from Moresheth-Gath in Judah.
What Did the Prophet Micah Do?
The prophet Micah prophesied the fall of Jerusalem. This was based on God’s incoming judgment on Israel. The Book of Micah also demonstrates God’s mercy and greater plans.
Are Micah and Michael the Same Name?
The two names are very similar, however, the difference is that “Micah” has an addition to it. While Michael is a derivative of the Hebrew word “mikha’el,” which means “Who is like El?,” (an alternative name of God denoting judgment) “Micah” means “Who is like Y-h?” (a more powerful name of God denoting love and compassion).
Is Micah an Arabic Name?
Micah can also be an Arabic or Muslim name. It is typically designated for boys and has a similar meaning as its Hebrew name-cousin. In Arabic, it means “One who is Like God,” “Poor,” or “Humble.”
Is Micah Too Popular?
While Micah is popular, ranking consistently in the top 100 to 150 names, it is not “trendy” or overused in the way names like Liam or Noah are. It is a steady classic that is recognizable without being ubiquitous. You are unlikely to encounter five Micahs in a single classroom.
Can Micah Be Spelled Mykah?
Yes, creative spellings like Mykah, Myka, or Mikah are increasingly common. These variations are often used when parents want to give the name a more modern feel or when they are using the name for a baby girl to differentiate it from the traditional masculine spelling.
Is There a Saint Micah?
There is no Catholic “Saint Micah” in the traditional sense of a canonized saint from the post-New Testament era. However, the Prophet Micah is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendars, with feast days celebrating him.
What Is the Most Famous Bible Verse for Micah?
The name is inextricably linked to Micah 6:8, one of the most quoted verses in the Bible regarding social justice and personal faith: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Does Micah Flow Well With Long Last Names?
Yes, because Micah is a short, two-syllable name with soft vowel sounds, it acts as a perfect balance to long or complicated surnames. It provides a gentle introduction that does not compete with a multi-syllabic last name.
