National Michele Day – November 6, 2022, history, significance
We’re going all-out Italian for National Michele Day on November 6, as we celebrate the Italian male name, which is similar to Michelle. Yes, there are some female Micheles in Europe and even some American and British regions, but our focus will be on the men. After all, who can resist an Italian man, especially when he has a seemingly exotic name? Sign us up. Also, don’t forget, even though her name is spelled slightly differently, we still embrace any excuse to talk about and honor Michelle Obama, who continues to inspire and influence people around the world.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MICHELE DAY
Michele, which is pronounced ‘miˈkɛːle,’ is an Italian male given name similar to Michael in English. Then there is also Michele, which is pronounced ‘mi-SHEL,’ a female given name in English that is derived from the French Michèle. It is a spelling variation of the more common (and similarly spoken) name Michelle. Both are derived from the Latin biblical archangel Michael, whose original Hebrew name means ‘who is like God?’
It is a lovely baby name that is gender-neutral and suitable for both boys and girls. Michele is an intriguing name since there are several ways to pronounce it. According to the Social Security Index, Michele has been in the top 1,000 newborn girl names for decades, peaking at #29 in 1968. Although not nearly as frequently or as high, Michele also rated for boys, peaking at #835 in 1969 before dropping out of the top 1,000 in 1974.
Similar to Michele, Michelle is an anglicized form of its French counterpart for girls. If you have religious parents, this name may appeal to you. You don’t have to be religious to enjoy the versatility of this name. Michelle has been around for about a century and was a popular name among parents in the 1960s and 1970s.
Not only are there many Michelles among today’s parents, but there are also numerous Michelles on the big screen. Who knows, your Michelle may be the next Pfeiffer or Rodriquez. Whether your kid is a Michelle or a Michele, they will be great human beings.
NATIONAL MICHELE DAY TIMELINE
1889
The End
Sicilian patriot, historian, and orientalist Michele Amari dies and is laid to rest in Florence.
1985
Driving Success
Italian racing driver Michele Alboreto is the runner-up to Alain Prost in the Formula One World Championship.
1990
The Beginning
Michele Morrone, the Italian actor, model, and singer, is born in Reggio Calabria, Italy.
2009
Diving for Silver
Mikelangelo (Michele) Loconte portrays Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the rock musical “Mozart, l’opéra rock,” directed by Dove Attia and Albert Cohen.
NATIONAL MICHELE DAY ACTIVITIES
Read the works of Michele Amari
Amari was born in Palermo, and was the son of Ferdinando and Giulia Venturelli. He devoted most of his life to studying Sicily’s history, and he was an orientalist who looked into the actual meaning of the Sicilian Vespers. Today, you can easily track down some of his works to read and learn more about. It is an interesting and educational way to honor Micheles on National Michele Day.
Write a musical about being a Michele
Is your name Michele? You must have spent your whole life correcting people writing your name wrong or assuming you were male. Here is your chance to write your very own musical to get rid of years’ worth of pent-up frustration. This art form is incredibly impactful when it comes to expressing yourself and being your authentic self.
Make a list of men and women named Michele
Our favorite thing to do is make lists, so we want you to take some time on this special day to write a list of all the men and women you know that are named Michele. It can be family, friends, and even some famous people. When you’re done, go through the list and check to see if you would like to know more about one of them, or simply just reach out. Celebrate them.
5 FACTS ABOUT MICHELE MORRONE
He is a dad
Marcus and Brando Morrone, his two sons, look just like him; he frequently posts videos and photos of them on social media.
He was married to a fashion designer
From 2013 to 2018, Morrone was married to fashion designer Rouba Saadeh, and they have two children together.
He is an artist
The actor is also a painter who is quite proud of his art; a section on his Instagram highlights is dedicated to his artwork.
He’s been famous since 2015
Morrone became famous to the rest of the world due to “365 Days,” but he was already well-known in Italy, starting his career in 2015.
He used to be a gardener
He relocated to a tiny town in Italy, home to only 1,000 occupants, and began working as a gardener to pay his bills before being cast in “365 Days.”
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL MICHELE DAY
We learn about names from around the globe
Michele, a name so closely related to Italian and French history, is just one example of a name that sparks thought and consideration to travel. If there is one thing we love, it is that a special name appreciation day can encourage someone to travel and see the world, and what better reason is there than wanting to meet some Micheles?
We get to watch a film starring Michele Morrone
Morrone, who shot to fame after starring in the erotic thriller “365 Days,” is so much more than the character he portrays on screen. He is a bonafide singer, artist, and performer in his home country. You can stream his music on Spotify and browse his art on his Instagram account, but most importantly, you can discover other characters he has played in films pre- “365 Days.”
It’s a significant gender-neutral name
If you are looking for a name that does not define the gender or nature of your baby, then choosing Michele is a pretty safe bet. In today’s society, parents want names that are more versatile and less labeled as a particular gender. We love how parents are embracing modern naming conventions, and days like National Michele Day will continue to inspire parents well into the future.
