The name Manhattan is a boy's name of Native American origin meaning "place for gathering the [wood to make] bows".

A popular destination but a rare baby name, Manhattan is derived from the Munsee Lenape language. It refers to the hickory trees that grew in the area and were used to make bows. The place name first appeared in the US stats for girls back in the early 2000s and has been used quietly ever since. It took until 2015 for it to enter the stats for boys but nicknames Manny, Matty, or even Hank might make it more familiar.



 

Manhattan

Native American

The name Manhattan peaked for boys at #13310 in 2015. Manhattan is occasionally used for girls in 2025.

The name Manhattan is a girl's name of Native American origin meaning "place for gathering the [wood to make] bows".

9 Letter Girl Names

Names Ending in N for Girls

Names That Mean Place

Names That Mean Native

Names That Mean Gathering

Three Syllable Names for Girls

Manhattan is the smallest yet one of the most populous New York City boroughs. The area was historically inhabited by Munsee Lenape and Wappinger tribes of Native Americans, and the name Manhattan is derived from the Munsee Lenape language. Hickory trees that were used to make bows grew on the southern part of Manhattan, which inspired the term <em>manaháhtaan</em>, from the Munsee Lenape words for "gather" and "bow."
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Manhattan debuted as a girl name in 2000 and has been used sparingly since then, with six girls given the name in a recent year. Hattie is a potential nickname, though Mattie, Mannie, and Annie might be less obvious options.

American Place Names

Place Names for Babies

New York Neighborhood Names

The name Manhattan peaked for girls at #11787 in 2021. Manhattan is occasionally used for boys in 2015.

Manhattan

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