It was said that Miguel Pineda, a native of Angat, went hunting one day and he happened to reach barrio San Bartolome, located at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Finding the place suitable for this chosen by the settlers to be their leader.

The barrio improved through his leadership and decides to expand their territory. He then later discovered a progressive community named Sto. Rosario whose leader was Mariano Puno. The two agreed to form a town between Bartolome (now Tartaro) and Sto. Rosario (now Mandile). They chose Miguel Mayumo to be the name of the town, which should be included in the province of Pampanga. Miguel was in honor of Miguel Pineda and Mayumo, a Pampango word for "sweet", stands for the goodwill and generosity of Puno.

Years passed by, the people, during a meeting presided over by Pineda, endorsed to give the town a better name. In the course of their meeting, an excited man came in and then related an unusual tale.

He claimed that one night on his way home after gathering bundles of firewood which he placed on a raft, a big rock blocked his way along the river. He tried to find another way but could not make it. Suddenly, a strong wind lashed at him followed by heavy rains. He hurriedly left the raft and sought shelter inside a cave. He continued that he fell asleep as he waited for the rain to stop.

At midnight, a blinding light woke him up. Stunned, he stood up as he sensed something was happening when another dazzling light brightened the cave. He went to another part of the cave and later on he discovered a hallowed winged figure. He was sure, a miracle happened. He went back at the town and narrated the story. Some people led by Captain Miguel went there to see for themselves the miracle. They saw the winged figure, which looked like Saint Michael, the Prince of the Angels. They believed that the discovery of the Angel was God's blessing and a sign of good graces to the inhabitants. In this connection, the people of Miguel Mayumo deemed it proper and timely to add "Sam" to the name of the town in reference and homage to the discovery of the image of Arcangel. Hence, San Miguel de Mayumo became the complete name of the town. However, the official name of the town at present is simply San Miguel.