Manasseh is a unique and biblical male given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "manos," which means "to cause to forget" or "make forget." In the Bible, Manasseh was the oldest son of Joseph and his wife Asenath in Egypt.
The name Manasseh has significant historical importance as well. He was one of the twelve tribes of Israel named after him, making him an important figure in Jewish history. According to the Bible, Manasseh was born after Joseph's other son Ephraim, but he became the father of a tribe that would become one of the most powerful and influential in ancient Israel.
In addition to its biblical roots, the name Manasseh has also been used throughout history by various figures. For example, there were several kings named Manasseh who ruled over Judah during the period of the divided kingdom. One notable figure was King Manasseh of Judah, who is known for his religious reforms and his role in bringing about the fall of Jerusalem.
Overall, the name Manasseh has a rich history and meaning that spans thousands of years. It is a unique choice for parents looking for a meaningful and distinctive name for their son.
The name Manasseh has seen a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in popularity over the past five decades in the United States. In the 1970s, it was relatively uncommon, with only five births each in 1974 and 1976. However, there was a noticeable increase in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with nine births in 1988 and six births each in 1991 and 1992.
The year 1997 marked a significant turning point for the name Manasseh, with fifteen births recorded. This was more than double the number of births in any previous year, indicating that it began to gain traction as a popular choice among parents around this time. This trend continued into the new millennium, with sixteen births each in 2000 and 2003.
The years between 2004 and 2016 saw a steady increase in the number of babies named Manasseh, ranging from seventeen to twenty-six births per year. However, there was a slight dip in popularity in recent years, with nineteen births each in 2020 and 2021, followed by an increase to twenty-three births in 2023.
Overall, the name Manasseh has seen a total of 525 births in the United States since 1974. While it may not be one of the most popular names in recent years, its consistent presence over multiple decades demonstrates that it remains an enduring and meaningful choice for many parents.