Mana Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MAH-nah /ˈmɑːnə/
Origin: Japanese; Hawaiian
Meaning: Japanese: 'power'; Hawaiian: 'spirit'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Mana has roots in various linguistic traditions, with significant meanings in different cultures. In Hebrew, the term "manna" refers to the miraculous food provided to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, as described in the biblical texts.
This Hebrew word is derived from the root "man," which means "what is it?" reflecting the mystery surrounding this divine sustenance. The name Mana can also be traced to the Polynesian languages, where it signifies spiritual power or energy, often associated with authority and influence.
This dual etymological background highlights the name's rich cultural significance across different regions and eras. Historically, the concept of mana has been prominent in various Pacific Island cultures, particularly within the context of leadership and spirituality.
In Polynesian societies, mana was believed to be a vital force that could be inherited or acquired, influencing social status and the ability to lead. The term gained broader recognition in the 19th century as European explorers and anthropologists documented the customs and beliefs of indigenous peoples in the Pacific.
The biblical association of the name, particularly through the narrative of the Israelites in the Old Testament, has also contributed to its historical resonance, emphasizing themes of divine provision and sustenance. Culturally, the name Mana embodies notions of strength, spirituality, and sustenance, making it a symbol of both physical and metaphysical nourishment.
In various traditions, it has been associated with figures of authority, wisdom, and guidance. The name's enduring presence in both religious texts and indigenous cultures underscores its significance as a representation of power and sustenance, reflecting the diverse ways in which it has been interpreted and valued throughout history.
While diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, the core significance of Mana remains rooted in its linguistic and cultural origins.
Famous people named Mana
In this section, you will find notable people named Mana. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Mana who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Mana who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Mana Ashida is an actress best known for Kaze no Shoujo Emily, Kamen Rider W, and Kamen Rider OOO.
Mana Takada is a singer best known for her work with the group Aimer and her solo career.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Mana, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Mana. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Mana was first seen in the United States in 1917.
Mana has ranked as high as #1351 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in California, and New York.
In the past 5 years the name Mana has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Mana is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Mana was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Mana (2023)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Mana.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2015 | 25 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2011 | 27 |
| 2010 | 25 |
| 2009 | 27 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2005 | 15 |
| 2004 | 23 |
| 2003 | 19 |
| 2002 | 14 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1991 | 14 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1983 | 10 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1978 | 7 |
| 1976 | 6 |
| 1959 | 6 |
| 1958 | 6 |
| 1932 | 5 |
| 1923 | 5 |
| 1917 | 8 |