Mitchell or Mitchel is an old Scots surname with several etymological origins. In some cases the name is derived from the Middle English and Old French name Michel, a vernacular form of the name Michael.The personal name Michael is ultimately derived from a Hebrew name, meaning Who is like God.In other cases the surname Mitchell is derived from the Middle English words michel, mechel, and muchel, meaning big.he personal name Michael is ultimately derived from a Hebrew name, meaning Who is like God. In other cases the surname Mitchell is derived from the Middle English words michel, mechel, and muchel, meaning big.