Meaning, origin, history
Manon is a French given name of Breton origin. It means "severe" or "strong-willed". The name comes from the Breton word "man", which means "strong". Manon was traditionally used as a boy's name in Brittany, but it has since become more popular for girls.
The earliest known use of the name Manon is in the 14th century. It was used by several nobles and clergy members in Brittany during this time period. In the 17th century, the name gained popularity outside of Brittany due to the novel "Manon Lescaut" by Abbé Prévost. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Manon who falls in love with a man named Des Grieux. Their relationship is tumultuous and ultimately tragic.
Despite its origins as a boy's name, Manon has become more commonly used for girls today. It is often chosen because of its unique sound and meaning. Some famous people with the name Manon include French actress Manon Anderson and Canadian singer-songwriter Manon Brisse. Overall, Manon is a distinctive and meaningful French given name with a rich history behind it.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Manon since 1880
Total births
817
Total since 1880
Peak year
1999
26 births
in 2023
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+24%
↗
vs previous 5 years