Declining since 2001, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Manav since 1993
Babies named Manav per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 42 |
| 2000s | 432 |
| 2010s | 203 |
| 2020s | 67 |
Meaning & origin
Manav, of Sanskrit origin meaning 'human' or 'humane,' debuted in U.S. records in 1993 and reached its peak popularity in 2000. Since 2001, its use has been falling, reflecting a trend away from traditional Indian names in English-speaking countries. In 2025, it ranked 12,008, with roughly 1 in 341,615 boys receiving the name. Despite its rarity in the U.S., Manav remains a common choice among Indian families, valued for its positive meaning and connection to humanity.
Manav derives from the Sanskrit word मनव (manava), meaning 'human' or 'mankind.' It is a common given name in India, particularly among Hindi-speaking communities, and carries the connotation of compassion and humanity. The name has been used in modern contexts, including the Bollywood film 'Manav' (1993).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Manu
Sibling names for Manav
Names that share Manav's style, for a brother or sister.
