Meaning & History
Manu 4 is a masculine given name meaning "bird" in several Polynesian languages, including Hawaiian, Māori, Tahitian, and Tongan. The name reflects the cultural significance of birds in Polynesian societies, where they often symbolize freedom, connection to the sky, and messengers between the earthly and spiritual realms. In Hawaiian tradition, birds were also associated with the aliʻi (chiefly class) and used in featherwork symbols of status.
The name appears as a given name in various Polynesian communities, though it is less common than other traditional names. It is part of a broader onomastic tradition that includes names from nature, such as Ana (cave) or Maile (a vine), emphasizing a deep connection to the environment.