US Popularity Rank: 9536

Origin: Pacific Islander

Meaning: guardian, messenger; beautiful, nice

Manaia is a gender-neutral name of Samoan and Maori origin. In Maori culture, the Manaia is a mythological creature who serves as a messenger between the mortal and spirit worlds. Usually depicted with the tail of a fish, the head of a bird, and the body of a man, its symbol guards against evil. Manaia is one of the most popular Maori names in New Zealand, and is used almost equally for boys and girls. In Samoan, Manaia means “beautiful” or “nice.”