Manami first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Manami has been for the last 29 years (from 1990 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Manami

A Japanese feminine name meaning "love, affection, beautiful waves".

Popularity of Manami by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Manami is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Manami.

Year Male Count Female Count
2018 0 6
2013 0 7
2012 0 11
2011 0 6
2009 0 6
2007 0 6
2006 0 6
2004 0 9
2003 0 11
1997 0 5
1996 0 6
1995 0 7
1993 0 5
1992 0 6
1991 0 6
1990 0 7

The history of the first name Manami

The name Manami is of Japanese origin, deriving from the combination of two words: "mana" meaning truth or reality, and "mi" meaning beautiful or elegant. It is believed to have originated during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) in Japan, a time of great cultural and artistic flourishing.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Manami can be found in the Genji Monogatari, a classic work of Japanese literature from the early 11th century. The name is mentioned as belonging to a character described as a woman of exceptional beauty and grace.

In the 12th century, a renowned Buddhist nun named Manami Dori became influential in Kyoto for her teachings and writings on Zen philosophy. Her works are still studied and revered by Buddhist scholars today.

During the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), the name Manami gained popularity among the samurai class. Notably, Manami Yoshinori (1564-1628) was a respected daimyo (feudal lord) who played a significant role in the Siege of Osaka Castle, a pivotal event in the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Another historical figure bearing the name Manami was Manami Akiko (1888-1964), a pioneering Japanese feminist and writer. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights and education, and her works helped shape the modern feminist movement in Japan.

In the 20th century, Manami Matsumura (1922-2011) was a renowned Japanese printmaker and artist, known for her intricate woodblock prints depicting traditional Japanese themes and landscapes. Her works are held in numerous prestigious collections worldwide.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name Manami, a name that reflects the Japanese appreciation for truth, beauty, and elegance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Manami was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Manami, please contact us.

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"Manami first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 31, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/manami-meaning-and-history/.

"Manami first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/manami-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 31 May, 2025

Manami first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/manami-meaning-and-history/.

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