Manila

“where the mangroves grow”

Philippines origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1136US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

214All-time births

📅 Since 189700.04% of births at peak

How to pronounce Manila

mun·IL·uh

/mən.ˈɪl.ə/ · stress on IL · 3 syllables

“where the mangroves grow”

Philippines origin · Girl name

What does Manila mean and where does it come from?

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and the name is derived from 'Maynilad', which comes from the Tagalog word 'Niyog' referring to a type of mangrove. The name reflects the natural flora of the area. Originally used for the city, it has gained traction as a feminine name due to its cultur

Cultural significance

Manila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Philippines-speaking communities, where it reflects values of where the mangroves grow.

Peak popularity

Reached #309 in 1898 — currently #1136 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Manila?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Manilla

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Manila?

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

Manila Grace

How popular is Manila right now?

Holding steady — currently #1136 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#1136 · Top 0.84%

1900

1925

1940

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1136	1,064	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1141	1,044	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1146	1,014	▲ up 3361 · +20180% births
1940	#4507	5	▼ down 376 · -29% births
1925	#4131	7	▼ down 2819 · -30% births
1900	#1312	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Manila

Best Year2023Rank #1136

Peak Count1,064

Average Rank#2229

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 20236 years

The story of Manila

Manila has been a beloved American name for over 127 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1897. With 214 total births recorded, Manila remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1312 in 1900 to #1136 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Manila in 1898:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

Manila by decade

Manila peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s ★	145
1900s	25
1910s	17
1920s	12
1940s	15

💎Manila has only 214 total recorded births since 1897 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Manila?

Common

ManManieManyIla

What names sound and feel like Manila?

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

Manilla

Philippines · A variation of

Makila

African · to be blessed

Malila

Egypt · A name denoting

Common questions about the name Manila

What does the name Manila mean?

Manila means "where the mangroves grow" — a name rooted in Philippines 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 Manila?

Manila is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Manila?

Manila originates from Philippines tradition. Philippines 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 Manila?

Manila is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 N IH1 L AH0. 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 Manila?

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