Manilla

“A variation of 'Manila', meaning 'where the yucca plant grows'”

Philippines origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1261US 2023

939Births / yr

→Stable

124All-time births

📅 Since 189800.01% of births at peak

What does Manilla mean and where does it come from?

Manilla is a name that can refer to the capital of the Philippines. The name is derived from the Tagalog word 'nilà,' a term for a type of plant. The term 'Manila' was first used in the 16th century as the Spanish colonized the Philippines. Manilla is not only a geographical name but is also underst

Cultural significance

Manilla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Philippines-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variation of 'manila', meaning 'where the yucca plant grows'.

Peak popularity

Reached #543 in 1898 — currently #1261 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Manilla?

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

Manilla Grace

How popular is Manilla right now?

Holding steady — currently #1261 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#1261 · Top 0.93%

1900

1915

1920

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1261	939	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1266	919	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1271	889	▲ up 3260 · +14717% births
1920	#4531	6	▼ down 975 · -14% births
1915	#3556	7	▼ down 2243 · -30% births
1900	#1313	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Manilla

Best Year2023Rank #1261

Peak Count939

Average Rank#2200

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 20236 years

The story of Manilla

Manilla has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 124 total births recorded, Manilla remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1313 in 1900 to #1261 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Manilla in 1898:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

Manilla by decade

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

Decade	Births
1890s ★	46
1900s	21
1910s	24
1920s	28
1930s	5

💎Manilla has only 124 total recorded births since 1898 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Manilla?

Common

ManManieManyIlla

What names sound and feel like Manilla?

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

Manila

Philippines · where the mangroves

Marilla

Latin · Marvellous

Vanilla

American · a flavoring derived

Danilla

Spanish · God is my

Marvilla

Spanish · wonderful, marvelous

Manuella

Spanish · Spanish

Marcilla

Spain · Little warrior

Manuela

Spanish · A beloved name

Common questions about the name Manilla

What does the name Manilla mean?

Manilla means "A variation of 'Manila', meaning 'where the yucca plant grows'" — 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 Manilla?

Manilla 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 Manilla?

Manilla 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.

What sibling names go well with Manilla?

Manilla 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.

Is Manilla a common or rare name?

Manilla is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.