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Home › Baby Names Directory › Manika

Manika

♀ Girl

Pronounced muh-NEE-kuh /məˈniːkə/Medium

Meaning: Manika has two honest readings. In Sanskrit 'manika' names a jewel, gem or string of beads, tied to 'mani,' a precious stone. In American use it is often instead a respelling of Monika, the German and Slavic form of Monica, so the name can carry either a South Asian gem sense or a Western root.Low

In 30 seconds: Manika is a Sanskrit-linked name for a jewel or bead, and also a form of Monika. It stayed rare in the United States, peaking around 1974 (said muh-NEE-kuh).
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Origin LowSanskrit
MeaningManika has two honest readings. In Sanskrit 'manika' names a jewel, gem or string of beads, tied to 'mani,' a precious stone. In American use it is often instead a respelling of Monika, the German and Slavic form of Monica, so the name can carry either a South Asian gem sense or a Western root.
U.S. rank (2019)#17098 ↗ Rising
2019 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1974
Total births (all-time)≈ 200

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197419722019

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

Manika can be traced two ways: as a Sanskrit word for a jewel or bead, from 'mani,' a gem, or as an American respelling of Monika, itself from Monica. Both readings are plausible, so the name sits between a South Asian and a Western heritage.

It was never common in the United States, given to only about fifteen girls a year at its peak around 1974. A woman named Manika then is in her early fifties today, and the name stayed a quiet crossover rather than a trend.

Did you know? In Sanskrit 'manika' points to a small gem or a string of beads, drawn from 'mani,' the same jewel-word behind many Indian names.
Overall data confidence 40%
References - Manika — Sanskrit 'manika' (jewel/bead), from 'mani'; also form of Monika

Variations

MonikaManikyaManisha

Nicknames

ManiNika

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Manika…

Monika— a parent form Manika may respell
Nika— a like short jewel-sound name
Tanika— a similar rhythmic -nika name
Manisha— a related Sanskrit-rooted name

Explore names like Manika

By themeraresanskritindiancrossover

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Manika mean?

In Sanskrit it names a jewel or bead, from 'mani'; it can also be a form of Monika.

How do you pronounce Manika?

It is said muh-NEE-kuh /məˈniːkə/ - three syllables.

Is Manika a boy or girl name?

Manika is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Manika?

It has always been rare, given to only about fifteen girls a year at its peak in the mid nineteen-seventies.

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