Surname Manela - Meaning and Origin

Manela: What does the surname Manela mean?

The last name Manela is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname which has its roots in the Hebrew language. The literal translation of the name is “my speech” and it is thought to have been given to ancestors due to their fiancial confidence and oratory skill.

The surname is common throughout the Jewish diaspora, tracing its legacy from Eastern Europe and appearing to have taken form among Jewish communities in Germany and Austria in the pre-industrial era.

Today, various branches of the Manelas have spread across the world, all still sharing the same origin story.

In the United States, the name has taken on many forms, but its original Ashkenazic form is still common, with the Manela family traced back to Central Europe. It is even possible that some members of the family tree may be related, since the name is fairly uncommon.

The great news is that Manela is actually a very positive name in the Jewish culture, with a long and proud family history. For example, it is sometimes given to the first-born son in rememberence of Rabbi Chanina ben Tradyon, who refused to divulge information about disciples to an invading Roman army despite the serious threat of persecution. He was a model of courage and integrity.

Therefore, the Manela name is not just a surname but a legacy. It brings with it a proud history of faith, hope, and courage that continues to live on through its countless bearers.

Manela: Where does the name Manela come from?

The last name Manela is a variant of the surname Manella, which is of Italian origin. It is most commonly found in Italy, as well as in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. The name is likely derived from the Latin word manu meaning "hand." It could also come from two Italian cities with the same name located near Ascoli Piceno.

In the United States, Manela is most common in New York, Texas, and Florida. The name is also found in other states, including California, Nevada, Connecticut, and Illinois. Within the past decade, the Manela surname has become one of the fastest-growing family names in the US.

Manela also has a presence in many other countries, such as Germany, France, Sweden, Poland, and Spain. It is also found in United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil.

The Manela surname is a traditional Italian one with worldwide connections. It appears to have been passed down throughout the years, suggesting that this surname has a long history. Today, the Manela name is found in many countries, reflecting its heritage and its popularity over the years.

Variations of the surname Manela

The surname Manela is of Spanish origin and has variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. It has variants such as Manell, Mannella, Manelli, Manello, and Manelli. It also has other common spellings such as Manalla, Mennella, Mannela, Mañela, Mañello, Mañella, Mañelli and Mañello.

Manela can also be found under different surnames with origins from other countries including Manilla, Maniglia, and Maniglia from Italy; Manilla and Meniles from Portugal; and Maanen, Mennen, and Manner from Germany.

In Spain, Manela is commonly found as a separation of the original surname Mangual, derived from the medieval Spanish manzano, meaning ‘apple tree’, or as a diminutive form of the ancient Spanish name Maninciella or Manuchella, derived from the Latin name Manicius, meaning 'five fingers'.

This last name can also be found in various countries as a result of emigration to the Americas. For instance, in South America, Manela is the surname of families from the States of Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela.

In the United States, the surname Manela is found in many variations such as Manello, Manella, Manella, Mannello, Menella, Mennella, Manago and many others. Additionally, in the United States, Manela is also used as a nickname for people with the surnames Mangual, Manalo, Mañez, Mañón among others.

No matter where they come from, variants, spellings and surnames of Manela all share the same origin and represent people with the proud tribal name that was first adopted in Europe over a thousand years ago.

Famous people with the name Manela

• Julia Manela: actress who had a role in the 1995 film, "Run of the Country".
• Ruth Manela: an activist for women's rights and disability rights, and the winner of the 2018 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• Robert Manela: an entrepreneur and philanthropist, listed as one of the most influential people of the year by TIME magazine in 2019.
• Julio Manela: Mexican actor who had a role in the 2007 film, "Perfume de Violetas".
• Steven Manela: founder and CEO of the Coronavirus Resource Center, which provides medical advice and resources to the public.
• Milo Manela: a musician and producer who has worked with a variety of artists, including John Legend and Kanye West.
• Christopher Manela: a well-known TV producer and director with credits on several popular shows, including "The Office" and "Friends".
• Dominique Manela: an artist and art historian, who has curated several exhibitions on Modern European art and artists.
• Anthony Manela: a stage and screen actor, who has had roles in films such as "The Wolf of Wall Street" and television shows including "Suits".
• Leandro Manela: a renowned chef with numerous awards for his culinary creations.

Other surnames

Manella