Manna

Meaning & origin

Manna is a rare and modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1985. It reached its peak popularity in 2019, ranking 13,208th with approximately 1 in 267,878 newborns receiving the name. Since 2018, however, its usage has been declining. The name's origins are uncertain; it may be a reference to the Biblical manna from heaven, an Italian word for 'hand', or a Japanese concept of 'true name'. Its short, melodic sound and double-n pattern align with contemporary naming trends, but its low frequency makes it a distinctive choice. No top states have been recorded for Manna, reflecting its scattered use across the country. Without a clear etymology or long-standing tradition, Manna remains a name of open interpretation, appealing to parents who value uniqueness and simplicity.

The name Manna has multiple potential origins. It may be a modern English adoption of the Biblical term 'manna' (the miraculous food from heaven), though the term is not used as a personal name in Scripture. Alternatively, it could be a feminization of the Italian word 'mano' (hand) or a borrowing from Japanese, where 'manna' (真名) refers to the true name of something. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1985 and peaked in popularity in 2019, suggesting a recent, fashionable coinage rather than a traditional given name.