Manju
Meaninglovely · Sanskrit
Manju is an Indian girl name meaning “lovely”, 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 soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Manju would score 14 points, thanks largely to the J (worth 8).
- GenerationManju peaked in 1974, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Manju you'd meet today is about 51 years old.
- HistoryManju first shows up in US birth records in 1974, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 51 years since.
US births per million girls, 1974–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Manju
Manju is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “lovely”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. 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 Manju
What does the name Manju mean?
Manju means “lovely” and comes from Sanskrit. Other girl names with a similar meaning include Lovely (“lovely”), Tegan (“fair, lovely”), Rena (“often lovely”) and Rana (“lovely to gaze at”).
What is the origin of the name Manju?
Manju 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 Manju a boy or girl name?
Manju is a girl name.
How popular is the name Manju?
Manju is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1988. It peaked at #8,775 in 1974, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Manju?
If you like Manju, you might also like Lovely, Tegan, Rena and Rana.
What should I know before naming my baby Manju?
Manju is an Indian girl name meaning “lovely”, 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 soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.