MallowbyNames

Manisha

mah-NEE-shah · Wise or intelligent; also a Sanskrit epithet meaning 'goddess of the mind'.

Peak popularity
1994
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2022

Rising since 2022.

Popularity of Manisha since 1969

Babies named Manisha per year in U.S. Social Security records.

112233198020002020Most births 1994Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s6
1970s167
1980s225
1990s269
2000s141
2010s59
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Manisha is a name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'wisdom' or 'intelligence'. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 1969 and saw its peak usage in 1994. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again in usage since 2022, suggesting a potential revival. While no specific state data is available, the name has been borne steadily by families of South Asian heritage. Its spiritual and intellectual associations make it a meaningful choice for those seeking a name with deep cultural roots.

Manisha derives from the Sanskrit मनीषा (manīṣā), meaning 'wisdom, intelligence, thought'. It is a common feminine given name in India and Nepal, used across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities. The name appears in ancient Indian texts and is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mani, Nisha

Variants: Manisha, Manīṣā

Sibling names for Manisha

Names that share Manisha's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Manisha, our favorite little girl.

M is for Manisha…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Manisha's letter becomes Manisha's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Manisha's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Manisha mean?
Manisha means 'wisdom' or 'intelligence' in Sanskrit, and is also an epithet for the goddess Saraswati.
How popular is the name Manisha?
Manisha peaked in popularity in 1994, but its rank is not available for 2025, and it is uncommon in U.S. data.
Is Manisha a boy or girl name?
Manisha is almost exclusively a girl's name.