Misha

Pronunciation: [ m-IHSH-uh ]

Girl Name #2,257 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A soft Russian gem with worldwide charm

Russian Eastern European American Israeli

Elegant Vintage Sophisticated Classic

Meaning & Origin

"who is like God"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Russian

"gift from God"

Origin: Russian

Language: Russian

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.

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

Famous People Named Misha

Misha Barton

Actor

1986

British-American actress known for playing Marissa Cooper on The O.C.

Misha Collins

Actor

1974

American actor known for playing the angel Castiel on Supernatural

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

Mishika #4152

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Misha Rose Misha Anya Misha Lena Misha Kate Misha Grace Misha Sophia Misha Jane

Sibling Names

Natasha Sasha Dmitri Alexei Vera Nadya Ilia

Also a Boy Name

Misha is also used as a boy name, ranked #5212.

View Misha as a boy name →

Similar Names

Mina Leah Lea Mai Mila Rhea Elia Aria

Playground Safety

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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 common nicknames for Misha?

Common nicknames for Misha include Mi.

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.

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.