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Manasseh

♂ Boy

Pronounced mə-NASS-ə /məˈnæs.ə/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Menashe, 'causing to forget' — Joseph's firstborn, a half-tribe of IsraelHigh

In 30 seconds: Forgetting, as blessing: Manasseh — Joseph's firstborn — was named for God making him 'forget all my hardship'. Trauma released, tribe founded.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom Hebrew Menashe, 'causing to forget' — Joseph's firstborn, a half-tribe of Israel
U.S. rank (2024)#3847 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births29 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 554

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419742024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Manasseh comes from Hebrew Menashe, 'causing to forget' — Joseph's firstborn whose tribe split the Jordan, and later a repentant king of Judah.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, forgetting-as-grace at the root, and tribal.

Did you know? Joseph named Manasseh in gratitude — 'God has made me forget my troubles' — Egypt's vizier processing exile through a birth certificate.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Manasseh — etymology

Variations

MenasheManasesManasses

Nicknames

Mana

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Manasseh…

Ephraim— the younger-brother tribe name
Asher— a fellow tribe-founder favorite
Malakhi— a fellow Hebrew choice
Micaiah— another Hebrew name
Mordecai— a fellow Hebrew choice

Browse the whole category: All Hebrew names →  ·  All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Manasseh mean?

Manasseh is Hebrew for 'causing to forget' — Joseph's firstborn son.

How do you pronounce Manasseh?

It's said mə-NASS-ə /məˈnæs.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Manasseh a boy or girl name?

Manasseh is a boy's name.

How popular is Manasseh?

Manasseh is a rare name in the U.S.