Rising since 1985, #1,529 for boys today.
Popularity of Manolo since 1965
Babies named Manolo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 80 |
| 1980s | 103 |
| 1990s | 124 |
| 2000s | 218 |
| 2010s | 522 |
| 2020s | 470 |
Meaning & origin
Manolo, a familiar Spanish form of Manuel, has seen a steady rise in U.S. usage since 1985 and reached its peak rank of 1529 in 2025, with about 1 in 15,116 newborn boys receiving the name that year. While its first recorded appearance in Social Security data was 1965, the name has deep roots in Spanish-speaking cultures as an affectionate diminutive of Manuel, itself derived from the Hebrew Immanuel, meaning 'God is with us.' Manolo is most common in states with larger Hispanic populations, including Arizona, Colorado, and California, reflecting its cultural resonance. The name evokes a warm, approachable feel while maintaining a traditional foundation.
Manolo is a Spanish diminutive of Manuel, which derives from the Hebrew name Immanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל) meaning 'God is with us.' The name Manuel was borne by Spanish royalty and became common across the Spanish-speaking world. Manolo emerged as a familiar, affectionate form and is widely used as an independent given name in Spain and Latin America.
Where Manolo is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Manolo” around the world
Where Manolo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Manu, Lolo
Variants: Manuel, Manuele
Sibling names for Manolo
Names that share Manolo's style, for a brother or sister.

