The name Michelle has its origins in the French language and culture, derived from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning "who is like God?" It emerged as a feminine form of the masculine name Michael during the Middle Ages.

In its earliest form, the name was spelled Michel or Michiel, and it first appeared as a feminine name in France during the 17th century. The addition of the "-le" suffix was a common way to create feminine versions of masculine names in French.

One of the earliest known references to the name Michelle can be found in the writings of French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes, who lived from 1596 to 1650. In his philosophical work "Meditations on First Philosophy," he mentions a character named Michelle.

The name gained further popularity in the 18th century, particularly among the French nobility and upper classes. One notable figure from this period was Michelle de Cubnac, Marquise de Sévigné (1626-1696), a French aristocrat and writer known for her prolific letter-writing.

As the name spread throughout Europe, it also found its way into literature and the arts. One famous bearer of the name was Michelle Ferdinande Rudolph Arldt (1672-1743), a German opera singer and actress who performed in several operas by composer George Frideric Handel.

In more recent history, the name Michelle has been borne by numerous influential figures, including Michelle Pfeiffer (born 1958), an American actress known for roles in films such as "Scarface" and "Dangerous Liaisons," and Michelle Obama (born 1964), the former First Lady of the United States and a lawyer, author, and advocate for healthy families and service members.

Other notable individuals named Michelle include Michelle Kwan (born 1980), an American figure skater and two-time Olympic medalist, Michelle Yeoh (born 1962), a Malaysian actress and producer who has starred in films like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Everything Everywhere All at Once," and Michelle Bachelet (born 1951), a Chilean politician and former President of Chile.