Michel is both a given name and a surname. The given name is an English and German form of the personal name Michael. The surname has several different origins but is common in France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and South Africa. When the name originates from France, Germany and the Netherlands it is also a form of the personal name Michael. The Basque name is a variant of the personal name Mitxel which is also an equivalent of Michael. When of Polish origin it is a variant of the personal name Michal. When of Greek origin, the surname Michel is a shortened form of various patronymic derivatives of Michael. Examples of such are Michelakis, Michelakakis, or Michelakos.[1]