Manoj
A boy's name of Sanskrit origin with 224 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
plural of mano
Manoj is a boy's baby name of Sanskrit origin meaning "born of the mind" or "created by the heart," from Sanskrit manas (mind) and ja (born of). In Hindu tradition, this refers to Kamadeva, the god of love, who is said to be born of the mind — making Manoj another name for the deity of love and desire.
Widely used in India and across the Indian diaspora, Manoj carries profound philosophical and romantic depth. It is a name that says a child was conceived in love and longing — born from the deepest wishes of the heart.
EtymologyShow more
Manoj is cataloged under the Sanskrit naming tradition. Names from the Sanskrit tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Manoj has been recorded as a boy's name since 1964, with 224 total births. Browse the Sanskrit names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Manoj has 28+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1964.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 34 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 19 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 73 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 69 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 29 | — |
The Story of Manoj
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1979, Manoj is a Gen X staple. Boys named Manoj are most likely born between 1969 and 1989.
How rare is Manoj?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Manoj is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1964, peaked in the 1980s with 73 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Manoj by the numbers
- Would fill 5 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(28 years, 1964–2008)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 | #13844 |
| 2003 | 6 | #10393 |
| 2002 | 9 | #7427 |
| 2001 | 8 | #8038 |
| 2000 | 6 | #9862 |
| 1997 | 6 | #8860 |
| 1994 | 7 | #7465 |
| 1993 | 6 | #8290 |
| 1989 | 6 | #7565 |
| 1988 | 8 | #5529 |
| 1987 | 5 | #7697 |
| 1986 | 7 | #5710 |
| 1984 | 5 | #6952 |
| 1983 | 11 | #3777 |
| 1982 | 9 | #4450 |
| 1981 | 10 | #4032 |
| 1980 | 12 | #3538 |
| 1979 | 14 | #3105 |
| 1978 | 6 | #5518 |
| 1977 | 13 | #3137 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manoj a boy's or girl's name?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1964–2008