Rising since 1986, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Manasseh since 1974
Babies named Manasseh per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 9 |
| 1990s | 75 |
| 2000s | 146 |
| 2010s | 201 |
| 2020s | 130 |
Meaning & origin
Manasseh is a distinctive biblical name with roots in Hebrew tradition. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1974, but has seen a slow but steady rise in use since 1986. As of 2025, it ranks 4,539, with an estimated 1 in 77,640 male births. Its peak year so far is 2024, reflecting growing interest among parents seeking strong Old Testament names. Though it has no strong association with any particular state, Manasseh carries a weighty meaning and is often paired with Ephraim, its sibling tribe name. Its respelled pronunciation, 'muh-NASS-uh,' clarifies a name that is sometimes mispronounced. The name has not yet entered the mainstream, but its upward trajectory suggests a quiet revival among those drawn to biblical history.
Manasseh is a Hebrew name from the Old Testament, meaning 'one who causes to forget.' It was the name of Joseph's firstborn son, as recorded in Genesis 41:51, where Joseph says, 'God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household.' The name has been used among Jewish and Christian communities historically and appears in the list of the twelve tribes of Israel as the tribe of Manasseh.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Manny, Mana
Variants: Menasseh, Menashe
Sibling names for Manasseh
Names that share Manasseh's style, for a brother or sister.
