Manhattan

“from the island of many hills”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 7% boys♀ 93% girls

#1226US 2023

974Births / yr

→Stable

76All-time births

📅 Since 200000

How to pronounce Manhattan

manh·AT·un

/mænh.ˈæt.ən/ · stress on AT · 3 syllables

“from the island of many hills”

English origin · Unisex name

What does Manhattan mean and where does it come from?

Manhattan is derived from the Lenape Native American name 'Manna-hata', which translates to 'from the island of many hills'. It has been adopted as a given name in recent decades, particularly inspired by the iconic New York City borough. While primarily unisex, it is often used for girls in contemp

Cultural significance

Manhattan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #12159 in 2009 — currently #1226 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Manhattan?

Manhattan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Manhattan Grace

How popular is Manhattan right now?

Holding steady — currently #1226 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#1226 · Top 0.90%

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1226	974	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1231	954	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1236	924	▲ up 13150 · +13100% births
2010	#14386	7	▲ up 3807 · +40% births
2005	#18193	5	▼ down 787
2000	#17406	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Manhattan

Best Year2023Rank #1226

Peak Count974

Average Rank#8946

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20236 years

The story of Manhattan

Manhattan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2000. With 76 total births recorded, Manhattan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #17406 in 2000 to #1226 in 2023. Manhattan is used for both genders: 93% female and 7% male.

Names that peaked alongside Manhattan in 2009:

Isabella Emma Olivia Sophia Ava

💎Manhattan has only 76 total recorded births since 2000 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Manhattan?

Common

ManMaAttan

What names sound and feel like Manhattan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Manhattan also consider these

Madhavan

English · A meaningful name

Manaan

Arabic · Gift from God

Chrisitan

English · A meaningful name

Manthan

Hindi · Churning

Maximillan

English · A meaningful name

Marrian

English · English

Jamesdean

English · A meaningful name

Marshan

English · A meaningful name

Common questions about the name Manhattan

What does the name Manhattan mean?

Manhattan means "English" — a name rooted in English 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 Manhattan?

Manhattan 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 Manhattan?

Manhattan originates from English tradition. English 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 Manhattan?

Manhattan is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE0 N HH AE1 T AH0 N. 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 Manhattan?

Manhattan pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.