Manasseh

Boy Name #3,837 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A powerful Old Testament name meaning God helped me forget

Hebrew Christian Jewish African

Spiritual Strong Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"causing to forget"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

"forgetting, making forget"

Origin: Biblical Hebrew

Language: English

The Story of Manasseh

Manasseh comes from the Hebrew root nasah meaning to cause to forget. In Genesis, Joseph names his firstborn son Manasseh, saying God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house. This poignant name carries both the pain of exile and the grace of moving forward. In the Old Testament, Manasseh was also the name of a king of Judah with a complex, redemptive story.

Manasseh is rarely used today even in religious communities, but it maintains occasional use in Orthodox Jewish families, Messianic Jewish households, and African Christian communities that favor Old Testament names. In Ghana and Nigeria it appears more frequently.

In the Old Testament, the tribe of Manasseh was one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. King Manasseh of Judah is remarkable in biblical history for repenting of great wickedness and experiencing genuine restoration. The name carries themes of forgiveness, renewal, and divine grace.

Fun Facts

Manasseh gave his name to one of the twelve tribes of Israel
King Manasseh of Judah was initially the most wicked king in the Old Testament but later repented — making him one of the Bible's most dramatic redemption stories
Manasseh's brother Ephraim became the larger tribe; their names are still used as a metonym for the northern kingdom

Manasseh in Other Languages

Greek Manasses

Arabic Manassi

Hebrew Menashe

Spanish Manases

Famous People Named Manasseh

Manasseh Bushnell

Politician

1770

Early American politician who served as Governor of Ohio from 1808 to 1810

Manasseh (biblical)

Politician

Both Joseph's firstborn son in Genesis and a controversial king of Judah in 2 Kings, Manasseh's story spans hardship, si...

Both Joseph's firstborn son in Genesis and a controversial king of Judah in 2 Kings, Manasseh's story spans hardship, sin, and ultimate redemption

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #3,837
Total SSA Count: 29
Cultural Origins: Hebrew Christian Jewish African
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Low

Common Nicknames

Manny Nasse

Pairs Well With

Manasseh James Manasseh David Manasseh Elijah Manasseh Emmanuel Manasseh Isaac

Sibling Names

Ephraim Benjamin Simeon Miriam Dinah

Also a Girl Name

Manasseh is also used as a girl name, ranked #50581.

View Manasseh as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Manasseh

What does the name Manasseh mean?

"causing to forget" (from Hebrew). "forgetting, making forget" (from Biblical Hebrew). Manasseh comes from the Hebrew root nasah meaning to cause to forget. In Genesis, Joseph names his firstborn son Manasseh, saying God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house. This poignant name carries both the pain of exile and the grace of moving forward. In the Old Testament, Manasseh was also the name of a king of Judah with a complex, redemptive story.

What is the origin of the name Manasseh?

Manasseh has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Christian, Jewish, and African origins. In Hebrew, it means "causing to forget". In Biblical Hebrew, it means "forgetting, making forget".

Is Manasseh a boy or girl name?

Manasseh is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3837. As a girl name, it is ranked #50581. Manasseh is more commonly used as a boy name.

How popular is the name Manasseh?

Manasseh is currently ranked #3837 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Manasseh?

Common nicknames for Manasseh include Manny and Nasse.

What are good middle names for Manasseh?

Popular middle name pairings include Manasseh James, Manasseh David, Manasseh Elijah, Manasseh Emmanuel, and Manasseh Isaac.

What are good sibling names for Manasseh?

Names that pair well with Manasseh as siblings include Ephraim, Benjamin, Simeon, Miriam, and Dinah.

How many syllables does Manasseh have?

Manasseh has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Manasseh a common or rare name?

Manasseh is an uncommon name, ranked #3837 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Manasseh

Manasseh is a boy name with Hebrew, Christian, Jewish, and African origins . The name means "causing to forget" in Hebrew .

Is Manasseh a boy or girl name? Manasseh is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,837 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #50,581. Manasseh is more commonly used as a boy name.

Manasseh is currently ranked #3,837 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Manasseh has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Manasseh include Manny and Nasse. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.