MallowbyNames

Manya

MAH-nyah · Of debated origin; possibly a diminutive of Maria or from the Sanskrit word meaning 'illustrious'.

2025 rank (girls)
#8,860
Babies named in 2025
11
Peak popularity
2012
2025 frequency
1 in 146,115 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2009

Declining since 2009, #8,860 for girls today.

Popularity of Manya since 1917

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

142741192019602000Most births 2012Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s6
1920s0
1930s17
1940s43
1950s90
1960s133
1970s78
1980s35
1990s51
2000s250
2010s245
2020s76

Meaning & origin

Manya is a name with cross-cultural depth, used both as a Slavic diminutive of Maria and as a standalone Indian name from Sanskrit. In the United States, its usage has been modest, ranking 8860 in 2025 with approximately 1 in 146,115 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak year was 2012, but since 2009 the name has been on a gradual decline, consistent with many names that saw a brief rise in the early 2000s. While not commonly found in top state lists, Manya reflects the blending of traditions, from Eastern European affection for Maria to South Asian appreciation for virtue names. For parents seeking a name that is both familiar and exotic, Manya offers a melodic and meaningful option without being overly common.

Manya has multiple potential origins. It is often considered a Slavic diminutive of Maria, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'beloved' or 'wished for child'. In India, Manya is derived from the Sanskrit word 'manya', meaning 'honorable' or 'illustrious'. The name has been used in various cultures, including Russian and Polish, where it is a pet form of Maria, and in India as an independent name. Its modern usage spans Eastern Europe and South Asia.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Manya, Mani, Manya

Sibling names for Manya

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

Sisters: Mira, Anya, Kaya, Leela, Maya

Brothers: Milan, Nikolai, Arya, Ravi, Dmitri

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

M is for Manya, our favorite little girl.

M is for Manya…”

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

Make Manya's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Manya mean?
Manya has several possible meanings. It can be a Slavic diminutive of Maria, meaning 'beloved', or derived from Sanskrit meaning 'illustrious' or 'honorable'.
Is Manya a popular name?
In 2025, Manya ranked 8860 in the U.S., with about 1 in 146,115 baby girls given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2012.
Is Manya a boy or girl name?
Manya is primarily a feminine name.