Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Mihai

      Origin

      Romanian

      Meaning

      Who is Like God?

      Variations

      Mihail, Mihaila, Mihailo
      The name Mihai is of Romanian origin and is derived from the Hebrew name Michael, which means Who is like God? This powerful and evocative question underscores the idea of divine uniqueness and superiority. Mihai is a relatively common name in Romania, often associated with strength and leadership. Variants of the name can be found across different cultures and languages, including Mikhail in Russian and Michael in English.

      Historically, the name Mihai has deep roots in Romanian culture and is often tied to significant historical figures. One of the most notable bearers of the name is Mihai Viteazul (Michael the Brave), a key figure in Romanian history who, in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, sought to unite the principalities of Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania. His ambitious campaigns for unification and independence from foreign domination have made him a national hero in Romania. The name has persisted through generations, reflecting both a sense of national pride and historical continuity.

      In contemporary Romania, Mihai remains a popular and beloved name, frequently used across various social classes. It evokes a sense of tradition while remaining relevant in modern times. Additionally, the name's variants are widely recognized internationally, making it a familiar choice in a global context. Mihai is often associated with prominent figures in politics, arts, and sports, contributing to its enduring appeal and visibility in Romanian society today. In recent years, the name has also been embraced by diaspora communities, further solidifying its place in both Romanian and broader cultural narratives.

      Based on our records...

      Ionescu

      Ionescu

      This is the most common surname associated with Mihai.
      Maria

      Maria

      This is the most common name of those married to a Mihai.
      Mihai

      Mihai

      This is the most common name for a child of a Mihai.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1901 is when there were the most people born with the first name Mihai.

      Explore the origins of another name.