What does Menno mean and where does it come from?
Menno is of Dutch and German origin, deriving from the Old High German name 'Menhard' which combines 'man' meaning 'man' and 'hard' meaning 'brave or hardy'. The name has been notably used in relation to Menno Simons, a 16th-century Anabaptist leader and theologian. It holds particular significance
Cultural significance
Menno has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Netherlands-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strong, brave.
Peak popularity
Reached #1262 in 1896 — currently #3722 in the US.
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Related Reading
Netherlands-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Menno?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Menno?
Menno works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Menno Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Menno John
One syllable · timeless choice
Menno Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Menno Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Menno Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Menno Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Menno right now?
Falling — down 225 spots — currently #3722 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3722 | 30 | ▼ down 225 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #3497 | 33 | ▲ up 186 · +6% births |
| 2023 | #3683 | 31 | ▲ up 846 · +35% births |
| 2022 | #4529 | 23 | ▼ down 1063 · -30% births |
| 2021 | #3466 | 33 | ▲ up 640 · +38% births |
| 2020 | #4106 | 24 | ▼ down 121 · -8% births |
| 2015 | #3985 | 26 | ▲ up 5748 · +271% births |
| 2010 | #9733 | 7 | ▼ down 3069 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #6664 | 11 | ▼ down 1855 · -27% births |
| 2000 | #4809 | 15 | ▲ up 1147 · +67% births |
| 1995 | #5956 | 9 | ▼ down 2146 · -40% births |
| 1990 | #3810 | 15 | ▼ down 717 |
| 1985 | #3093 | 15 | ▲ up 370 · +25% births |
| 1980 | #3463 | 12 | ▼ down 675 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #2788 | 14 | — |
The story of Menno
Menno has been a beloved American name for over 128 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1896. With 1,231 total births recorded, Menno remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1745 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3683 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Menno in 1896:
Menno by decade
Menno peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 112 | |
| 1920s | 126 | |
| 1930s | 61 | |
| 1940s | 56 | |
| 1950s | 64 | |
| 1960s | 82 | |
| 1970s | 82 | |
| 1980s | 140 | |
| 1990s | 144 | |
| 2000s | 148 | |
| 2010s ★ | 182 | |
| 2020s | 87 | |
💎With 1,231 total births, Menno is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Menno?
What names sound and feel like Menno?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Menno also consider these
How is Menno written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Menno?
Common questions about the name Menno
What does the name Menno mean?
Menno means "strong, brave" — a name rooted in Netherlands 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 Menno?
Menno is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Menno have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Menno?
Menno originates from Netherlands tradition. Netherlands 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 Menno?
Menno is a two-syllable name pronounced MENN-OH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Menno trending right now?
Menno is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.