UK girl's name
Mandisa
A feminine name of Xhosa origin meaning "sweet".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2010. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Mandisa is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Mandisa popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2010 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4688, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2006, with 4 births.
This profile covers 15 England and Wales registrations across 4 recorded years from 2006 to 2010. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 15 living people in the UK are called Mandisa. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2011 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Mandisa ranked #4688 for girls in England and Wales in 2010, with 4 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2006, when 4 girls were registered as Mandisa.
- • About 15 living people in the UK are estimated to have Mandisa as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4688
2010
Births in 2010
4
Latest year
Peak year
2006
4 births
Estimated living
15
2026
Meaning
What does Mandisa mean?
The name Mandisa has its origins in the Xhosa language, spoken by the Xhosa people of South Africa. It is a feminine name derived from the word "mandisa," which means "to nurture" or "to nourish." The name carries a connotation of nurturing, caring, and providing sustenance, reflecting the cultural values of the Xhosa people.
The earliest recorded use of the name Mandisa can be traced back to the late 19th century, when it began to gain popularity among the Xhosa communities. During this period, the name was primarily used within these communities and had a strong connection to the Xhosa cultural traditions and beliefs.
One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Mandisa was Mandisa Monakali (1872-1962), a prominent Xhosa activist and leader who fought for the rights of her people during the apartheid era in South Africa. She played a crucial role in organizing protests and advocating for the recognition of Xhosa land rights.
Another notable figure with the name Mandisa was Mandisa Dlamini (1932-2021), a South African singer and songwriter. She was renowned for her powerful voice and her contributions to the development of traditional Xhosa music. Dlamini's music often carried messages of cultural pride and resistance against oppression.
In more recent times, the name Mandisa gained wider recognition with the rise of Mandisa Hundley (born 1976), an American contemporary Christian and gospel singer. She rose to fame as a contestant on the popular singing competition show "American Idol" in 2006, where she captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and inspiring performances.
Another prominent figure with the name Mandisa is Mandisa Ngqongqo (born 1979), a South African broadcaster and television personality. She has hosted numerous popular shows and has become a recognizable face in the South African media landscape, often using her platform to promote positive messages and social causes.
Beyond these notable individuals, the name Mandisa continues to be popular among various communities, particularly in South Africa and parts of the United States. Its meaning and cultural significance resonate with many, celebrating the nurturing and caring aspects of womanhood.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Mandisa over time
The chart below shows babies named Mandisa registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2006 to 2010. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Mandisa, the clearest high point is 2006. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2010, compared with 4 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Mandisa by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Mandisa was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #4688 | 4 | 1 |
| 2000s | #4665 | 11 | 3 |
Related
Names similar to Mandisa
- Megan 70,884
- Mia 67,204
- Molly 47,734
- Millie 44,390
- Maisie 32,671
- Matilda 29,965
- Maya 26,445
- Madison 18,441
- Maria 17,304
- Mollie 15,914
- Martha 15,116
- Maddison 14,918
FAQ
Mandisa: questions and answers
How popular is the name Mandisa in the UK right now?
In 2010, Mandisa was ranked #4688 for girls in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.
When was Mandisa most popular?
The peak year on record was 2006, with 4 babies registered as Mandisa in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Mandisa?
A feminine name of Xhosa origin meaning "sweet".
How many people are called Mandisa in the UK?
A total of 15 babies have been registered as Mandisa across the 4 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.