Rising since 1986, #1,084 for boys today.
Popularity of Menachem since 1948
Babies named Menachem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 14 |
| 1950s | 47 |
| 1960s | 98 |
| 1970s | 316 |
| 1980s | 575 |
| 1990s | 1,195 |
| 2000s | 1,715 |
| 2010s | 1,880 |
| 2020s | 1,223 |
Meaning & origin
Menachem is a strong classic within Jewish naming tradition. The name has been in consistent use in the United States since at least 1948, with its highest rank ever reached in 2024 at position 1084. The count is currently about 1 in 8627 births, reflecting a steady upward trajectory that began around 1986. Top states include New Jersey, New York, and Maryland, strongholds of Orthodox Jewish communities. The name carries deep historical weight from the biblical King Menachem and remains a staple among families valuing Hebrew heritage. Its rise in recent decades mirrors broader trends in Jewish name revival, blending tradition with modern continuity.
Menachem is a Hebrew name derived from the root 'nacham' meaning to comfort or console. In the Hebrew Bible, Menachem was a king of Israel, and the name has been used by Jewish communities for centuries. It is also associated with the Menahem mentioned in the Book of Kings and appears in the Talmud.
Where Menachem is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mendy, Meni, Chem
Variants: Menahem, Mendel
Sibling names for Menachem
Names that share Menachem's style, for a brother or sister.
