The first name Manu
A boy’s name from Sanskrit meaning “man”, “mankind”.
2 syllables Male Also a surname
Meaning and origin
Sanskrit origin
Manu means “man”, “mankind” in Sanskrit.
Transliteration of Sanskrit मनु (manu, “man, mankind”). Doublet of man and mann.
From Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Popularity
Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025
In 2025, 5 boys were named Manu, making it the 3,684th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2007, with 8 births (#2,211).
Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Manu with other names.
Popularity in the United States
Babies named Manu at birth, 1880–2025
In 2025, 23 boys born in the United States were named Manu, the 4,486th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2006, when 27 were.
US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.
Famous people named Manu
10 on Wikidata, most written-about first
- Manu DibangoCameroonian musician and songwriter, recording artist (1933–2020)
- Manu KonéFrench footballer (born 2001)
- Manu KatchéFrench drummer, studio musician, composer, singer, lyricist, percussionist and music produ, born 1958
- Manu PayetFrench actor, comedian, radio and television presenter, born 1975
- Manu AttriBadminton player, born 1992
- Manu TuilagiEnglish rugby union player, born 1991
- Manu SareenDanish politician, born 1967
- Manu NarayanAmerican actor, born 1973
- Manu FerreraBelgian association football player, born 1958
- Juhani TamminenFinnish ice hockey player (born 1950)
More Sanskrit boys’ names
Questions
- What does the name Manu mean?
- Manu means “man”, “mankind” in Sanskrit.
- What is the origin of the name Manu?
- Transliteration of Sanskrit मनु (manu, “man, mankind”). Doublet of man and mann.
- How popular is the name Manu?
- In 2025, 5 boys born in England and Wales were named Manu, ranking 3,684th. Its peak was 2007, with 8 births.
- Is Manu a boy's or a girl's name?
- Mostly a boy's name: 99% of the 706 US babies named Manu since 1880 were boys.
- When was Manu most popular?
- 2006 in the United States, when 27 babies were named Manu, its highest rank at 3,741st.
- Is Manu also a surname?
- Yes. Manu is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.