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Home › Baby Names Directory › Manav

Manav

♂ Boy

Pronounced MUH-nuv /ˈmə.nʌv/Medium

Meaning: From the Sanskrit Manav (Manava), 'man; mankind; human being,' tied to Manu, the progenitor of humanity in Hindu tradition. A widely used Indian boys' name.Medium

In 30 seconds: A Sanskrit name: Manav means 'man; mankind,' rooted in Manu of Hindu lore (said 'MUH-nuv'). Warm and classic.
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Origin MediumSanskrit, Indian
MeaningFrom the Sanskrit Manav (Manava), 'man; mankind; human being,' tied to Manu, the progenitor of humanity in Hindu tradition. A widely used Indian boys' name.
U.S. rank (2025)#13210 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2000
Total births (all-time)≈ 744

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200019932025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Manav comes from the Sanskrit for 'man; mankind; human,' connected to Manu, the progenitor of humanity in Hindu belief. It is a common, well-loved boys' name in India, rarer in U.S. data (said 'MUH-nuv').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, mostly in Indian families. Rare here, classic in India.

Did you know? Manav is Sanskrit for 'man; mankind; human being,' tracing to Manu, the ancestor of humanity in Hindu tradition — a broad, humane meaning in a tidy two-beat name (said 'MUH-nuv').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Manav — Sanskrit 'man; mankind'; tied to Manu

Variations

ManavMaanavManav

Nicknames

ManiNav

Famous Bearers

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If you like Manav…

Aarav— a like popular Indian boys' name
Vihaan— a like Sanskrit two-beat pick
Arjun— a like classic Indian name
Rohan— a like warm Sanskrit-origin choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Manav mean?

Manav is Sanskrit for 'man; mankind; human being,' tied to Manu, the progenitor of humanity in Hindu tradition.

How do you pronounce Manav?

It's said MUH-nuv /ˈmə.nʌv/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Manav a boy or girl name?

Manav is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Manav?

Manav is rare in the U.S. and well used in India.

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