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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Related Reading
Philippines-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Manilla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Manilla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Manilla Claire
French influence · crisp
Manilla Jane
Literary · strong
Manilla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Manilla right now?
Holding steady — currently #1261 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Manilla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Manilla also consider these
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.