Manisha
Meaningwisdom · Sanskrit
Manisha is an Indian girl name meaning “wisdom”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Manisha would score 12 points, thanks largely to the H (worth 4).
- GenerationManisha peaked in 1978, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Manisha you'd meet today is about 47 years old.
- HistoryManisha first shows up in US birth records in 1969, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 56 years since.
US births per million girls, 1969–2025
Similar names
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Manisha
Manisha is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “wisdom”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian girl names
- Girl name: Maya · illusion
- Girl name: Lyla · night
- Unisex name: Arya · noble
- Girl name: Kali · black
- Girl name: Serena · calm, serene
- Girl name: Mira · wonderful
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Unisex name: Veda · knowledge
Questions about the name Manisha
What does the name Manisha mean?
Manisha means “wisdom” and comes from Sanskrit. Other girl names with a similar meaning include Sophia (“wisdom”), Sofia (“wisdom”), Sophie (“wisdom”) and Athena (“Greek goddess of wisdom”).
What is the origin of the name Manisha?
Manisha is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Maya (“illusion”), Lyla (“night”), Arya (“noble”) and Kali (“black”).
Is Manisha a boy or girl name?
Manisha is a girl name.
How popular is the name Manisha?
Manisha is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2024. It peaked at #3,009 in 1978, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Manisha?
If you like Manisha, you might also like Sophia, Sofia, Sophie and Athena.
What should I know before naming my baby Manisha?
Manisha is an Indian girl name meaning “wisdom”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.