"spiritual power, authority, prestige"
Origin: Polynesian
Language: English
Mana
Pronunciation: [ m-AHN-uh ]
Does Mana flow with your last name?
Polynesian for spiritual power and prestige
Polynesian
Maori
Hawaiian
Japanese
Spiritual
Strong
Unique
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"love (in Japanese feminine usage)"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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The Story of Mana
Mana is a concept found across Polynesian cultures — in Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan traditions, mana refers to spiritual power, authority, and prestige that flows from ones character, deeds, and lineage. In Japan, Mana (愛奈 or まな) is a feminine name meaning love and vegetables, but in the Pacific islands, mana as a boys name carries profound cultural weight as a marker of leadership and spiritual potency.
As Polynesian culture has gained global visibility through films like Moana and the global popularity of Hawaiian culture, names like Mana have attracted interest from parents worldwide. The name is primarily used in New Zealand, Hawaii, and the Pacific islands.
In Maori tradition, a persons mana is their life force and prestige — it can be built through brave deeds, generosity, and wisdom, or lost through shameful actions. Naming a child Mana is a statement of intent: this child will have mana.
Historical Record
Mana first appeared in US Social Security records in 2003.
Over 128 babies have been named Mana in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mana is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,420 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The concept of mana was so significant that linguists borrowed it as a technical term in anthropology and game design (mana points in RPGs come directly from Polynesian mythology)
- In Maori culture, a rangatira (chief) without mana is no chief at all
Mana in Other Languages
Maori
Mana
Samoan
Mana
Hawaiian
Mana
Japanese
愛奈 (Mana)
Popularity Over Time
#6,420
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mana
M
Mana Ashida
Actor
2004
Japanese child actress known for her role in the film Mirai
M
Mana Motuhake
Politician
1931
New Zealand Maori political movement and party representing Maori sovereignty
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,420
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- Polynesian Maori Hawaiian Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mana
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Mana is also used as a girl name, ranked #7278.
View Mana as a girl name →Similar Names
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Compare Mana with...
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mana
What does the name Mana mean?
"spiritual power, authority, prestige" (from Polynesian). "love (in Japanese feminine usage)" (from Japanese). Mana is a concept found across Polynesian cultures — in Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan traditions, mana refers to spiritual power, authority, and prestige that flows from ones character, deeds, and lineage. In Japan, Mana (愛奈 or まな) is a feminine name meaning love and vegetables, but in the Pacific islands, mana as a boys name carries profound cultural weight as a marker of leadership and spiritual potency.
What is the origin of the name Mana?
Mana has Polynesian, Japanese, Maori, and Hawaiian origins. In Polynesian, it means "spiritual power, authority, prestige". In Japanese, it means "love (in Japanese feminine usage)".
Is Mana a boy or girl name?
Mana is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #6420. As a girl name, it is ranked #7278. Mana is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mana?
Mana is pronounced m-AHN-uh.
How popular is the name Mana?
Mana is currently ranked #6420 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Mana?
Popular middle name pairings include Mana Kai, Mana River, Mana James, Mana Luca, Mana Ray, Mana Thomas, and Mana Leo.
What are good sibling names for Mana?
Names that pair well with Mana as siblings include Koa, Lani, Hana, Keanu, Aria, Noa, and Tane.
How many syllables does Mana have?
Mana has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mana a common or rare name?
Mana is an uncommon name, ranked #6420 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Mana?
About the Name Mana
Mana is a boy name with Polynesian, Maori, Hawaiian, and Japanese origins . The name means "spiritual power, authority, prestige" in Polynesian .
Is Mana a boy or girl name? Mana is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #6,420 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #7,278. Mana is more commonly used as a boy name.
Mana is currently ranked #6,420 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mana has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AHN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Mana include Manuel, Manolo, Manny, Manasseh, Manraj . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis