Manal

Manal is a feminine given name of Arabic origin. In Arabic, منال (manāl) denotes attainment, realization, or something that has been reached. The form is derived from a root associated with reaching or obtaining, and the name is widely used in Arabic-speaking countries as well as in Arab communities abroad.

Usage outside the Arab world has grown with globalization and diaspora communities, and the name is found among families in various regions. It is used across cultural and religious contexts, reflecting name adoption beyond its linguistic roots.

Notable people named Manal include Manal al-Sharif, a Saudi engineer and women's rights activist who is recognized for her advocacy on mobility rights for women and for helping bring international attention to the issue of driving in Saudi Arabia. Another public figure is Manal Omar, a Palestinian-American humanitarian and advocate known for work on displacement and conflict response.

Because of its meaning and sound, Manal has occasionally appeared in fiction and media as a character name in Arabic-language works, but it is primarily recognized as a personal given name. The name’s clear pronunciation and positive connotation contribute to its ongoing use in many Arab and non-Arab communities.