Michael Penland

(male) English form of a common biblical name (meaning ‘who is like God?’ in Hebrew) borne by one of the archangels, the protector of the ancient Hebrews, who is also regarded as a saint of the Catholic Church. In the Middle Ages, Michael was regarded as captain of the heavenly host (see Revelation 12:7–9), symbol of the Church Militant, and patron of soldiers. He was often depicted bearing a flaming sword. The name is also borne by a Persian prince and ally of Belshazzar mentioned in the Book of Daniel. Since the early 1900s it has been one of the most enduringly popular boys' names in the English-speaking world. See also Michal.

Of uncertain origin. Possibly an altered form of Pentland or a habitational name from Penlan Hall, Essex or Penlan Farm in Hereford and Worcester. There are also numerous places in Wales named Penlan, notably in Dyfed, and the name may have been adopted on arrival in the U.S. by immigrants from any of these places.