The name Misha is a diminutive form of the Russian name Mikhail, which is derived from the Hebrew name Michael. The name Michael is composed of the Hebrew elements "mi" meaning "who" and "cha-el" meaning "is like God." The name Mikhail and its derivative Misha have been widely used in Russia and other Slavic countries for centuries.

In the Russian Orthodox tradition, the Archangel Michael is one of the most revered figures, and the name Mikhail has a strong religious connotation. The name is mentioned in various religious texts, including the Bible and the Quran, where Michael is portrayed as a powerful angel and a protector of the faithful.

The earliest recorded use of the name Misha can be traced back to the medieval period in Russia. One of the earliest notable figures with this name was Misha Yaropolk, a Prince of Chernigov who lived in the 12th century. Another prominent figure was Misha Braginsky, a 16th-century Russian explorer who was among the first to map the Arctic regions.

In the 19th century, the name gained popularity in Russia, and several notable figures bore the name Misha. These include Misha Glinka (1804-1857), a renowned Russian composer known as the father of Russian classical music, and Misha Lermontov (1814-1841), a celebrated Russian poet and writer.

During the 20th century, the name Misha continued to be popular in Russia and other Slavic countries. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Misha Kutuzov (1945-2005), a Soviet and Russian actor who starred in numerous films and television shows. Another notable figure was Misha Tal (1936-1992), a Soviet-Latvian chess grandmaster and the eighth World Chess Champion.

In the world of sports, Misha Aloian (1923-2011) was a Soviet gymnast who won multiple Olympic gold medals in the 1950s and 1960s. Misha Dichter (born 1945) is an American pianist of Russian descent who has achieved international acclaim for his performances and recordings.