Manus
Manly, brave — Associated with the Gaelic 'Manus' meaning 'manly' or 'brave
Ireland origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#969US 2023
1.2kBirths / yr
Stable
125All-time births
📅 Since 191400
How to pronounce Manus
MAY·nis
/ˈmeɪ.nɪs/ · stress on MAY · 2 syllables
Manly, brave
Associated with the Gaelic 'Manus' meaning 'manly' or 'brave · Ireland origin

What does Manus mean and where does it come from?

The name Manus is of Irish origin, often associated with the Gaelic 'Manus' meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' It has historical significance in Ireland and is commonly used as a short form of the name 'Eamonn' or 'Aemon.' Additionally, in Latin, 'manus' translates to 'hand,' symbolizing skill or work. Man

Cultural significance
Manus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of manly, brave.
Peak popularity
Reached #2933 in 1929 — currently #969 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Manus?

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

Manus Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Manus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Manus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Manus Claire
French influence · crisp
Manus Jane
Literary · strong
Manus Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Manus
Browse ideas →

How popular is Manus right now?

Holding steady — currently #969 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19202023#969 · Top 0.72%
1920
1950
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#9691,231▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022#9741,211▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021#9791,181▲ up 2936 · +23520% births
1950#39155▼ down 527 · -37% births
1920#33888

The story of Manus

Manus entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 125 total births recorded, Manus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3388 in 1920 to #969 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Manus in 1929:

Manus by decade

Manus peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

DecadeBirths
1910s20
1920s37
1930s11
1940s21
1950s5
1960s5
1970s12
2000s14
💎Manus has only 125 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Manus?

MEDIEVAL ENGLISH
Mack

Common questions about the name Manus

What does the name Manus mean?
Manus means "Manly, brave" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Manus?
Manus is currently ranked #969 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 Manus?
Manus originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Manus?
Manus is a two-syllable name pronounced M EY1 N IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Manus a common or rare name?
Manus is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.