Manisha Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: muh-NEE-shah /məˈniːʃə/
Origin: Sanskrit; Hindi
Meaning: Sanskrit: 'intelligent'; Hindi: 'one who is knowledgeable'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Manisha has its roots in the Sanskrit language, where it is derived from the word 'manas', meaning 'mind' or 'intellect'. The suffix '-isha' can be interpreted as 'lord' or 'ruler', thus combining to convey the meaning of 'intellect' or 'the one who has a wise mind'.
This etymological foundation reflects the cultural significance of wisdom and intellect in various Indian philosophies and traditions. The name has been used in various forms across different Indian languages, maintaining its core meaning throughout its evolution.
Historically, the name Manisha has been associated with various figures in Indian literature and mythology. It appears in classical texts and is often linked to themes of knowledge and enlightenment.
The use of Sanskrit in religious and philosophical texts, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, dating back to the first millennium BCE, underscores the name's deep cultural roots. Additionally, the name has been referenced in modern Indian literature and cinema, further embedding it in the cultural consciousness.
Culturally, Manisha resonates with the ideals of wisdom, intelligence, and enlightenment, which are highly valued in many Indian traditions. The name is often given to girls with the hope that they will embody these qualities.
In some contexts, diminutive forms or variations of the name may be used affectionately, though the name Manisha itself remains significant in its original form. Overall, the name encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural values, reflecting the importance of intellect in Indian society.
Famous people named Manisha
In this section, you will find notable people named Manisha. 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 Manisha who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Manisha 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.
Manisha Koirala is an actress best known for Dil Se, Bombay, and Khamoshi: The Musical.
Manisha Desai is a professor best known for her work in sociology and women's studies.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Manisha, 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 Manisha. 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 Manisha was first seen in the United States in 1969.
Manisha has ranked as high as #5533 nationally, which occurred in 1994, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, and Maryland.
In the past 5 years the name Manisha has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Manisha 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 Manisha was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
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 Manisha.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 |
| 2017 | 8 | 8 |
| 2016 | 9 | 9 |
| 2015 | 6 | 6 |
| 2014 | 5 | 5 |
| 2012 | 7 | 7 |
| 2011 | 10 | 10 |
| 2010 | 9 | 9 |
| 2009 | 9 | 9 |
| 2008 | 6 | 6 |
| 2007 | 10 | 10 |
| 2006 | 8 | 8 |
| 2005 | 10 | 10 |
| 2004 | 13 | 13 |
| 2003 | 19 | 19 |
| 2002 | 16 | 16 |
| 2001 | 19 | 19 |
| 2000 | 31 | 31 |
| 1999 | 22 | 22 |
| 1998 | 30 | 30 |
| 1997 | 32 | 32 |
| 1996 | 30 | 30 |
| 1995 | 26 | 26 |
| 1994 | 33 | 33 |
| 1993 | 27 | 27 |
| 1992 | 22 | 22 |
| 1991 | 26 | 26 |
| 1990 | 21 | 21 |
| 1989 | 20 | 20 |
| 1988 | 21 | 21 |
| 1987 | 28 | 28 |
| 1986 | 22 | 22 |
| 1985 | 23 | 23 |
| 1984 | 15 | 15 |
| 1983 | 23 | 23 |
| 1982 | 26 | 26 |
| 1981 | 26 | 26 |
| 1980 | 21 | 21 |
| 1979 | 18 | 18 |
| 1978 | 26 | 26 |
| 1977 | 20 | 20 |
| 1976 | 17 | 17 |
| 1975 | 21 | 21 |
| 1974 | 21 | 21 |
| 1973 | 14 | 14 |
| 1972 | 10 | 10 |
| 1971 | 12 | 12 |
| 1970 | 8 | 8 |
| 1969 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Manisha (2011)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |