What does Manasseh mean and where does it come from?
Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה) is a biblical name originated from the Hebrew Bible, specifically from the Book of Genesis. It was the name of one of the sons of Joseph and Asenath. The name symbolizes the idea of forgetting one's troubles. Historically, Manasseh has been more commonly used as a male name, but
Cultural significance
Manasseh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of נסיך, 'to forget'.
Peak popularity
Reached #3754 in 2024 — currently #4636 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Manasseh?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Manasseh?
Manasseh works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Manasseh Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Manasseh John
One syllable · timeless choice
Manasseh Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Manasseh Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Manasseh Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Manasseh Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Manasseh right now?
Falling — down 882 spots — currently #4636 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4636 | 22 | ▼ down 882 · -27% births |
| 2024 | #3754 | 30 | ▼ down 2524 · -97% births |
| 2023 | #1230 | 970 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1235 | 950 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1240 | 920 | — |
The story of Manasseh
Manasseh is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2001. With 471 total births recorded, Manasseh remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1240 in 2021 to #1230 in 2023. Manasseh is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Manasseh in 2024:
Manasseh by decade
Manasseh peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 9 | |
| 1990s | 75 | |
| 2000s | 151 | |
| 2010s ★ | 201 | |
| 2020s | 71 | |
💎Manasseh has only 471 total recorded births since 2001 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Manasseh?
What names sound and feel like Manasseh?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Manasseh also consider these
How is Manasseh written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Manasseh
What does the name Manasseh mean?
Manasseh means "נסיך, 'to forget'" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Manasseh?
Manasseh is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Manasseh?
Manasseh originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Manasseh?
Manasseh is a 5-syllable name pronounced MAH-nuh-ES-ES-E. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Manasseh?
Manasseh pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Israel heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.