Emmanuel is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is with us". It is derived from the phrase "Immanuel", which appears in the Bible as a prophecy about the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the prophet Isaiah, the virgin birth would be a sign that "the Lord himself will give you a signal. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and his name shall be called Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).
The name Emmanuel has been popular throughout history, particularly in Christian cultures. It was given to several saints and martyrs, including Saint Emmanuel of Constantinople, who was a bishop during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The name has also been used by several monarchs and historical figures, such as King Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy-Piedmont, who ruled in the 16th century.
In literature and arts, Emmanuel has inspired numerous characters and works. For example, in Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables", the character Marius Pontmercy is given the name Emmanuel by his adoptive father, Monsieur Gillenormand. In music, Emmanuel is the first name of French composer Emmanuel Chabrier, who was known for his orchestral and operatic works.
Today, Emmanuel remains a popular name in many countries around the world. It is often associated with the Christmas season due to its biblical origins, but it can be given and used throughout the year as a strong and meaningful name choice.
Emmanuel is a rare name in the United States, with only five babies being named Emmanuel in 1988 out of the total births that year. This represents a very small percentage of all newborns during this period. Despite its rarity, Emmanuel remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents who wish to give their child a name that is not commonly heard.