Mitchell

Part of speech: noun, proper noun

Definitions

1. A common surname often associated with notable figures in politics, sports, and entertainment
2. A given name for males that may also be used as a surname in various cultures
3. An influential family name in American history, with roots that trace back to early settlers

Etymology: The surname Mitchell began as a pet form of Michael. In Middle English, the Old French given name Michel was shortened and softened into "Mitchel," and from there it became a family name, the way many medieval surnames grew out of the first names of a father or ancestor. Michael itself comes from the Hebrew name meaning "who is like God," so the surname carries a very old religious name through several languages. A second possible source makes the surname less about saints and more about size. Middle English had a nickname "muchel," meaning "big" or "great," and a man known for his stature could have been called Mitchell. Because both routes led to the same spelling, it is difficult to say which one produced any particular family name, and many Mitchells likely have one origin or the other without any way to tell which.

Synonyms: surname