What does Mana mean and where does it come from?
The name Mana is derived from the Japanese word that signifies affection or love. In Hawaiian culture, Mana refers to a spiritual power that resides in people and objects. The name is particularly popular in Japan and Hawaii, often associated with positive and protective energy. Variations in spelli
Cultural significance
Mana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of affection, love, or a gift.
Peak popularity
Reached #3703 in 1917 — currently #5341 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mana?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mana?
Mana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mana Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mana Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Mana Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Mana Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Mana Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Mana Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Mana right now?
Rising fast — up 1783 spots — currently #5341 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5341 | 24 | ▲ up 1783 · +50% births |
| 2024 | #7124 | 16 | ▲ up 13 · +33% births |
| 2023 | #7137 | 12 | ▲ up 1594 · +33% births |
| 2022 | #8731 | 9 | ▼ down 2127 · -47% births |
| 2020 | #6604 | 17 | ▼ down 1291 · -32% births |
| 2015 | #5313 | 25 | ▲ up 125 |
| 2010 | #5438 | 25 | ▲ up 2099 · +67% births |
| 2005 | #7537 | 15 | ▲ up 3321 · +88% births |
| 2000 | #10858 | 8 | ▼ down 1985 · -11% births |
| 1995 | #8873 | 9 | ▼ down 1954 · -25% births |
| 1990 | #6919 | 12 | ▲ up 2577 · +100% births |
| 1985 | #9496 | 6 | — |
The story of Mana
Mana entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 698 total births recorded, Mana remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9496 in 1985 to #7137 in 2023. Mana is used for both genders: 87% female and 13% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mana in 1917:
Mana by decade
Mana peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 8 | |
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 12 | |
| 1970s | 13 | |
| 1980s | 54 | |
| 1990s | 87 | |
| 2000s | 184 | |
| 2010s ★ | 301 | |
| 2020s | 89 | |
💎Mana has only 698 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mana?
What names sound and feel like Mana?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mana also consider these
Common questions about the name Mana
What does the name Mana mean?
Mana means "affection, love, or a gift" — a name rooted in Japan tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mana?
Mana is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mana have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mana?
Mana originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Mana?
Mana is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-nuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Mana trending right now?
Mana is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.