"who is like God"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Russian
Misha
Pronunciation: [ m-IHSH-uh ]
Does Misha flow with your last name?
A soft Russian gem with worldwide charm
Russian
Eastern European
American
Israeli
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Classic
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Meaning & Origin
"gift from God"
Origin: Russian
Language: Russian
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The Story of Misha
Misha is a Russian and Eastern European diminutive of Mikhail (the Russian form of Michael), which derives from the Hebrew Mikha'el meaning 'who is like God?' — a rhetorical question implying no one compares to God. While traditionally a nickname for boys in Russia, Misha has been used as a feminine name internationally, especially in Israel and the United States.
Misha gained attention as a girl's name in the West partly through Misha Barton, the British-American actress known for 'The O.C.' (2003-2006), bringing the Russian nickname into mainstream American culture for girls.
In Russia and Eastern Europe, Misha is an affectionate nickname universally understood as short for Mikhail, making it warm and familiar. Outside that tradition, especially for girls, it feels exotic and sophisticated. The 1980 Moscow Olympics mascot was a bear named Misha.
Historical Record
Misha first appeared in US Social Security records in 1954.
Over 4,206 babies have been named Misha in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Misha is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,257 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Misha was the name of the beloved bear mascot of the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics
- In Russia, Misha is such a universal bear nickname that 'Misha' informally means 'bear' in children's culture
Misha in Other Languages
French
Micha
German
Mischa
Hebrew
מִישָׁה
Russian
Миша
Japanese
ミーシャ
Popularity Over Time
#2,257
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Misha
M
Misha Barton
Actor
1986
British-American actress known for playing Marissa Cooper on The O.C.
M
Misha Collins
Actor
1974
American actor known for playing the angel Castiel on Supernatural
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Compare Misha with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,257
- Total SSA Count
- 83
- Cultural Origins
- Russian Eastern European American Israeli
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Misha
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Misha is also used as a boy name, ranked #5212.
View Misha as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Misha
What does the name Misha mean?
"who is like God" (from Hebrew). "gift from God" (from Russian). Misha is a Russian and Eastern European diminutive of Mikhail (the Russian form of Michael), which derives from the Hebrew Mikha'el meaning 'who is like God?' — a rhetorical question implying no one compares to God. While traditionally a nickname for boys in Russia, Misha has been used as a feminine name internationally, especially in Israel and the United States.
What is the origin of the name Misha?
Misha has Hebrew, Russian, Eastern European, American, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "who is like God". In Russian, it means "gift from God".
Is Misha a boy or girl name?
Misha is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2257. As a boy name, it is ranked #5212. Misha is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Misha?
Misha is pronounced m-IHSH-uh.
How popular is the name Misha?
Misha is currently ranked #2257 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Misha?
Popular middle name pairings include Misha Rose, Misha Anya, Misha Lena, Misha Kate, Misha Grace, Misha Sophia, and Misha Jane.
What are good sibling names for Misha?
Names that pair well with Misha as siblings include Natasha, Sasha, Dmitri, Alexei, Vera, Nadya, and Ilia.
How many syllables does Misha have?
Misha has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Misha a common or rare name?
Misha is an uncommon name, ranked #2257 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Misha?
Are there other spellings for Misha?
Related spellings include Mishika.
About the Name Misha
Misha is a girl name with Russian, Eastern European, American, and Israeli origins . The name means "who is like God" in Hebrew .
Is Misha a boy or girl name? Misha is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,257 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #5,212. Misha is more commonly used as a girl name.
Misha is currently ranked #2,257 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Misha has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-IHSH-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Misha include Mi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Misha include Mishika . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis