Manuela is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the male given name Manuel, which is composed of two elements: "manus," meaning "hand," and "ela," a diminutive suffix. Therefore, Manuela means "little hand." The name was initially used as a female form of Manuel in Spain during the Middle Ages.
The use of Manuela spread beyond Spain over time. It became popular among Portuguese-speaking populations due to its similarities with other Portuguese names like Manual and Manoela. Today, Manuela is recognized worldwide, although it remains more common in countries where Portuguese and Spanish are spoken.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have been named Manuela. One of the most famous is Manuela Sáenz, a heroic figure from Ecuador who played an essential role in South America's independence movement during the early 19th century. She was known for her courage and determination, traits that have helped shape the perception of the name Manuela over time.
While not as widely used today as it once was, Manuela continues to be a beloved and meaningful name chosen by parents for their daughters. Its unique origin and historical significance make it an appealing choice for those seeking a distinctive yet classic name with a rich history behind it.
The name Manuela appears to have been quite popular towards the late 19th century, with a steady increase in births from 1880 onwards, reaching a peak of 25 births in 1899. However, there was a significant decline in popularity during the early 20th century, with fewer than 100 births per year recorded between 1903 and 1947. The name experienced a resurgence in popularity from the mid-1940s to the late 1950s, with over 100 births annually during this period. After this peak, the popularity of the name gradually declined again, with fewer than 100 births per year recorded since 1967.