English and Scottish, from the Middle English and Old French spoken form Michel of the name Michael. It can also be a nickname for a large man, from Middle English michel, muchel 'big'. In Ireland it was adopted for Mulvihill (Ó Maoilmhichíl). It is especially frequent in eastern Scotland.
Spellings and related forms: Mitchel, Michel, Mulvihill, Michaud (French), Micheli (Italian).
Follows the 'big man' reading (Middle English michel, 'big'); the other main reading, Michael, is a religious name.
Most surnames have no single "family crest". In heraldry, a coat of arms belonged to one person and passed down one line of descent. Sites that sell "the Mitchell coat of arms" usually show the arms of one historic family that shared the name. Ours is different on purpose: an original design built from what the name means, which any Mitchell can own honestly.
Blankets: soft velveteen plush (100% polyester), printed on one side; may run up to 3 in. short of the listed size. Rugs: polyester chenille with hemmed edges and a coated backing, for indoor use. Both are printed in the USA (Georgia and North Carolina).
Name meanings come from the sources above, checked 2026-10. Where scholars disagree, we say so.