Maanav
A boy's name of Sanskrit origin with 160 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Maanav, you're looking at a name that fewer than 160 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Maanav a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Maanav is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Maanav is a boy's baby name of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'human being,' 'man,' or 'belonging to Manu' — Manu being the progenitor of humanity in Hindu tradition, akin to Adam in Abrahamic faiths. The name carries a profound philosophical meaning: to be fully, essentially human.
In modern usage across India and the South Asian diaspora, Maanav is appreciated both for its deep Sanskrit roots and its clean, modern sound. It carries the quiet dignity of a name that celebrates humanity itself.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Maanav is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2000–2022). Its Sanskrit roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 160 total births, Maanav exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Maanav has 22+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2000.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 19 | #11820 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 56 | #11598 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 85 | #8794 | — |
The Story of Maanav
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2002, Maanav is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Maanav are most likely born between 2000 and 2012.
How rare is Maanav?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Maanav is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2000, peaked in the 2000s with 85 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Maanav by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(22 years, 2000–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | #13575 |
| 2021 | 9 | #8578 |
| 2020 | 5 | #13307 |
| 2019 | 7 | #10405 |
| 2018 | 8 | #9324 |
| 2017 | 8 | #9376 |
| 2016 | 5 | #13443 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13284 |
| 2013 | 6 | #11613 |
| 2012 | 6 | #11710 |
| 2011 | 5 | #13570 |
| 2010 | 6 | #11653 |
| 2009 | 10 | #8076 |
| 2008 | 6 | #12003 |
| 2007 | 8 | #9421 |
| 2006 | 8 | #9257 |
| 2005 | 10 | #7460 |
| 2004 | 11 | #6812 |
| 2003 | 10 | #7045 |
| 2002 | 11 | #6362 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maanav a boy's or girl's name?
When was Maanav most popular?
How popular is the name Maanav?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2000–2022