Manly

“manly, brave”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#591US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

521All-time births

📅 Since 188000

What does Manly mean and where does it come from?

Manly is an Anglo-Saxon name related to the word 'man' or 'male.' It has been used primarily in English-speaking nations and carries connotations of strength and bravery. The name was more popular in the 19th century and can frequently be found in historical records. Notable figures bearing the name

Cultural significance

Manly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of manly, brave.

Peak popularity

Reached #921 in 1881 — currently #591 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Manly?

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

Manly Grace

How popular is Manly right now?

Holding steady — currently #591 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#591 · Top 0.44%

1880

1895

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1990

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#591	1,609	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#596	1,589	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#601	1,559	▲ up 9779 · +31080% births
2000	#10380	5	▼ down 2227
1990	#8153	5	▼ down 6458 · -71% births
1940	#1695	17	▲ up 447 · +42% births
1935	#2142	12	▲ up 175
1930	#2317	12	▼ down 368 · -29% births
1925	#1949	17	▼ down 300 · -23% births
1920	#1649	22	▲ up 70 · +29% births
1915	#1719	17	▼ down 581 · +240% births
1895	#1138	5	▼ down 126
1880	#1012	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Manly

Best Year2023Rank #591

Peak Count1,609

Average Rank#2890

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202311 years

The story of Manly

Manly has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 521 total births recorded, Manly remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1012 in 1880 to #591 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Manly in 1881:

John William James George Charles

Manly by decade

Manly peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	10
1890s	10
1910s	92
1920s ★	153
1930s	97
1940s	89
1950s	38
1960s	11
1970s	6
1980s	5
1990s	5
2000s	5

💎Manly has only 521 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Manly?

Common

ManMa

What names sound and feel like Manly?

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

France · a combination of

Mandy

English · English

Hanly

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Kally

American · Greek

Harly

American · A variation of

Radly

American · From the red

Common questions about the name Manly

What does the name Manly mean?

Manly means "manly, brave" — a name rooted in American 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 Manly?

Manly is currently ranked #591 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Manly?

Manly originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

What are good nicknames for Manly?

Manly naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.

What personality traits are associated with the name Manly?

Studies on name perception suggest that Manly is often associated with strength and reliability. Of course, personality is shaped by experience, not a name — but the perception can influence first impressions throughout life.