Manly is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "manlic," which means "having the qualities or appearance of a man." The name Manly has been used throughout history to denote strength, courage, and masculinity.
The earliest known use of the name Manly can be traced back to medieval England. However, it was not until the 19th century that Manly became more widely popular as a given name. One notable figure associated with the name is Thomas L. Manly, an American educator and scholar who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite its strong association with masculinity, it's important to note that the name Manly has been used for both boys and girls throughout history.
Today, Manly remains a rare but distinctive given name. It is often chosen by parents who wish to give their child a strong and unique identity, drawing on its historic associations with strength and courage. However, as with any name, it's important to consider the potential implications of choosing such an overtly masculine-sounding name for a child, especially if they identify outside of the binary gender system. Ultimately, the choice of a given name is deeply personal and depends on individual preferences and family traditions.
The name Manly has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1880 and the most recent in 2000.
Between 1880 and 1949, the name Manly was relatively popular, with an average of around 10 births per year. The peak years for this period were between 1915 and 1923, when there were over 17 births each year. However, after 1949, the popularity of the name began to decline.
From 1949 to 1968, the number of births with the name Manly fluctuated between 5 and 10 per year. After 1968, there were only six recorded births for each decade up until the turn of the century in 2000.
In total, over a span of 120 years, from 1880 to 2000, there were 521 babies born in the United States with the name Manly. Despite its fluctuations in popularity throughout history, this name remains a distinctive and historic choice for parents in America.