Manuel is a masculine given name of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the medieval Spanish title "manus" meaning "hand". The name was often granted to individuals who were skilled in manual tasks or crafts. In some cases, it was also given to those born with deformities of the hand.
The name Manuel has been popular throughout history, particularly in Spain and Portugal. It was borne by several historical figures, including Manuel I, King of Portugal from 1495 to 1521, andManuel II of Portugal, who ruled from 1908 until his abdication in 1920.
In literature, the name Manuel appears in works such as "The Nigger of the 'Narcissus'" by Joseph Conrad, where one of the main characters is named Manual. It also features prominently in "Memoirs of a Portuguese Gentleman" by José María Eça de Queiroz.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, Manuel has not been particularly popular as a given name in recent years. However, it remains a classic choice with a strong connection to Spanish and Portuguese heritage.
The name Manuel experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was consistently among the top names given to newborn boys, with a notable increase starting from around 1906 (ranging from 184 births in 1907 to 205 births in 1910). This trend continued until 1918, peaking at an impressive 1312 births that year. However, popularity began to decline after World War I, reaching a low of just 1018 births in 2020.
Despite the fluctuations, Manuel has remained a popular name overall, with a total of 189745 births recorded over the span of 136 years (1880-2016).