Manases is a rare and unique name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "manos," which means "to cause to forget" or "to make forgetful." The name Manases is often associated with the biblical figure of the same name, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
In the Bible, Manases was born to Joseph and his wife Asenath in Egypt. He was the firstborn son of Joseph's two sons by Asenath, and he was named Manases because, as it is stated in Genesis 41:51-52, "For God hath caused me to forget all my toil and all my father’s house... And the name of the second called he Ephraim." The name Manases thus signifies that God had made Joseph forget his past struggles and hardships.
The name Manases is also notable for being one of the few biblical names that has not been popularized in modern times. It has remained relatively rare, with only a handful of people bearing this unique name throughout history. However, its rarity can be seen as an advantage, as it carries a distinctive and mysterious allure.
Overall, Manases is a name of rich historical and biblical significance, with a unique meaning that sets it apart from other names. Its rarity makes it a fascinating choice for those seeking a distinctive and meaningful name with deep roots in history and culture.
The name Manases has seen a variable but generally increasing trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In 1996, there were 8 babies named Manases at birth, and this number fluctuated between 5 and 12 births per year until 2008.
Interestingly, there was a significant spike in popularity from 2017 to 2019, with the highest recorded number of births being 15 in 2019. This could indicate that the name Manases has become more fashionable or accepted among parents-to-be during this time period.
However, it's important to note that even at its peak in recent years, Manases is still not one of the most commonly chosen names for babies born in the United States. From 2017 to 2023, the name Manases ranked between the 954th and 986th most popular boys' names each year.
In total, there have been 217 babies named Manases born in the United States since 1996. This relatively low number suggests that while Manases may hold some appeal to parents, it remains a more unique and uncommon choice compared to other popular baby names.