Surname Manus - Meaning and Origin

Manus: What does the surname Manus mean?

The surname Manus is derived from the Gaelic name Mag Uidhir, which translates to "son of Odhar" or "son of the dun-colored one". However, it has also been linked to the Latin word "manus" meaning "hand", indicating a person skilled or working with their hands. Therefore, the Manus surname may be an occupational name given to craftsmen or manual laborers in the past. This name could also have origins from the Isle of Man, where inhabitants were referred to as "Manus". It's also prevalent in Ireland as a patronymic name signifying descent from a common ancestor. It is pertinent to note that the meaning and origin of a surname can vary greatly depending upon geographical locations and historical contexts, thus, the precise significance of the surname Manus might differ. Moreover, surnames often provide an interesting glimpse of history, signifying an ancestor's occupation, characteristic traits, or place of residence.

Manus: Where does the name Manus come from?

The surname Manus is of Irish origin and predominantly stems from the Gaelic name Magh Nisu, which means 'son of the islander'. In its anglicised form, it has various spellings, such as MacManus, McManus, Maunus, among others. Manus is particularly common in areas of ancient Irish settlements, notably in Donegal in Northern Ireland and Fermanagh in the Republic of Ireland. It is also found widely in America, Canada, and other parts of the world due to Irish diaspora. Today, while it remains fairly common in Ireland, it is also often found in the United States due to historic emigration patterns.

Variations of the surname Manus

The surname Manus has its origin from the Gaelic culture and evolved from the personal name Magnus, which is of Latin origin meaning "great". It has been changed and modified over many generations, giving rise to a variety of spellings and variants.

The common ways in which the name is spelled include McManus, MacManus, Manus, Manners, Manass, Manuss, Mannis, Manis, and Maness. All these variations have the same or similar meaning and are often used in Ireland, Scotland, and many English-speaking countries.

McManus and MacManus, where 'Mc' and 'Mac' signify 'son of', are very common variants of Manus and are quite popular in Ireland. In particular, the McManus variant is one of the most common surnames in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

Some surnames thought to have the same origin are Mannix, Minogue, and Magnuson, although these have moved further away from the original Manus.

The surname Manus has also been Anglicized in many ways, including Manison, Magnusson, and Magnus. These versions are predominantly used in English-speaking parts of the world.

Each variant of the surname Manus, respects the traditions and customs of different cultures while still managing to keep the original meaning intact.

Famous people with the name Manus

• Stephen Manus: an American film producer known for his work on "Tales from the Hood" and "Fade to Black."
• Mary Manus: a Dutch noblewoman and the Marchioness of Milford Haven who played a role during the World War II.
• Tara Manus: A film production manager and producer, known for her work on "Rocky Balboa," "Total Recall," and "Grudge Match."
• Ruth Manus: A Brazilian lawyer, professor, and columnist who writes for Estadão and O Globo newspapers.
• Chris Manus: A poet, performer, and publisher. He's the founder of “Arms Akimbo Press”, an independent publishing company.
• Peter Manus: An American film director known for movies like “Freeze Out” and “When Nietzsche Wept.”
• Michaela McManus: An American actress, best known for her role in TV series like "The Vampire Diaries" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit". Although the spelling of her surname slightly differs, she is included in this list as it's phonetically similar and she's a notable figure.
• J.D. Manus: A notable author who has written books mainly in the horror genre.
• Julian Manus: A successful real estate agent in New York City, famous for selling high-end luxury homes.
• Vic Manus: A well-known YouTuber and social media influencer. Please note that some of these individuals may not have achieved global stardom or recognition, their recognition may be more at a local level or within their specific industry.

Other surnames

Manuel