Rising since 1989, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Manu since 1972
Babies named Manu per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Manu's real moment was 2021.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 66 |
| 1980s | 86 |
| 1990s | 88 |
| 2000s | 177 |
| 2010s | 160 |
| 2020s | 124 |
Meaning & origin
Manu is a name with deep roots in both Hindu and biblical traditions, though its usage in the United States is relatively recent. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1972, but it remained uncommon for decades. Starting in 1989, its trajectory shifted sharply upward, and by 2021 it reached its peak rank of 4,396. In 2025, the name was given at a rate of 1 in 74,264 boys, reflecting a quiet but steady ascent. While it has not yet registered in any top state rankings, Manu's dual heritage gives it a global resonance that appeals to parents seeking a short, meaningful name with cross-cultural appeal.
The name Manu has two primary origins. In Sanskrit, Manu (मनु) is a term for 'man' or 'humanity' and is the name of the progenitor of humankind in Hindu mythology, the first man and lawgiver. In Hebrew, Manu is a diminutive of Emmanuel, meaning 'God is with us.' It has been used across India and, in its Hebrew context, in various Christian cultures.
“Manu” around the world
Where Manu lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Sources: Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Manou, Manuh
Sibling names for Manu
Names that share Manu's style, for a brother or sister.
