Manuel

“God is with us”

Spain origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#333US 2023

1kBirths / yr

↓Falling

187.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Manuel

mah·NWEL

/mɑ.ˈnwɛl/ · stress on NWEL · 2 syllables

“God is with us”

Spain origin · Unisex name

What does Manuel mean and where does it come from?

Manuel is traditionally a male name, derived from the Hebrew name Immanuel (אֵמָנוּאֵל), which means 'God is with us.' Its female variation is often seen in Spanish-speaking cultures, even though its usage is less common. The name has a significant presence in Spanish-speaking countries and has been

Cultural significance

Manuel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is with us.

Peak popularity

Reached #1706 in 1934 — currently #333 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Manuel?

Manuel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Manuel Grace

How popular is Manuel right now?

Declining — down 17 spots — currently #333 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#333 · Top 0.25%

1940

1945

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#333	1,008	▼ down 17 · -5% births
2022	#316	1,064	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#321	1,036	▲ up 9559 · +11411% births
2000	#9880	9	▼ down 2354 · -18% births
1995	#7526	11	▼ down 1970 · -31% births
1990	#5556	16	▼ down 1930 · -30% births
1985	#3626	23	▲ up 1630 · +77% births
1980	#5256	13	▼ down 2278 · -46% births
1975	#2978	24	▲ up 738 · +50% births
1970	#3716	16	▼ down 159 · +23% births
1965	#3557	13	▼ down 32
1960	#3525	13	▲ up 1707 · +117% births
1955	#5232	6	▼ down 2294 · -40% births
1945	#2938	10	▲ up 40 · +11% births
1940	#2978	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Manuel

Best Year2022Rank #316

Peak Count1,064

Average Rank#3554

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202319 years

The story of Manuel

Manuel entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. More than 187,738 babies have been named Manuel since 1916. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2275 in 1920 to #333 in 2023. Manuel is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Manuel in 1934:

Mary Betty Barbara Shirley Dorothy

Manuel by decade

Manuel peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	802
1890s	952
1900s	1,751
1910s	8,396
1920s	15,789
1930s	12,450
1940s	14,285
1950s	16,467
1960s	16,166
1970s	17,899
1980s	20,173
1990s ★	24,299
2000s	23,463
2010s	13,833
2020s	1,013

What are good nicknames for Manuel?

ENGLISH

MannyManuel

FINNISH

Manu

FRENCH

ManuManuel

GERMAN

ManuManuel

What names sound and feel like Manuel?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Manuel also consider these

English · A variant of

Manvel

Armenia · gift of God

Sauel

Spain · Hebrew

Samuel

English · His name is

How is Manuel written in other languages?

Μανουηλ

Ancient Greek

Gender variants of Manuel

Emmanuelle FRENCH Manu GERMAN Manuela GERMAN Emanuela ITALIAN Manuela ITALIAN BRAZILIAN(Manoela PORTUGUESE Manuela PORTUGUESE Nela PORTUGUESE Nelinha PORTUGUESE Emanuela ROMANIAN Manuela ROMANIAN Manola SPANISH Manuela SPANISH Manuelita SPANISH Imanol BASQUE Emmanouel BIBLICAL GREEK Immanuel BIBLICAL HEBREW Emmanuhel BIBLICAL LATIN Emmanuel BIBLICAL Immanuel BIBLICAL Manel CATALAN Emanuel CROATIAN Emanuel CZECH Emanuel DANISH Emmanuel ENGLISH Manny ENGLISH Manu FINNISH Emmanuel FRENCH Emmanuelle FRENCH Manu FRENCH Emanuel GERMAN Immanuel GERMAN Manu GERMAN Manuela GERMAN Emmanouil GREEK Immanuel HEBREW Emánuel HUNGARIAN Emanuela ITALIAN Emanuele ITALIAN Manuela ITALIAN Manuele ITALIAN Manouel LATE GREEK Emanuel NORWEGIAN BRAZILIAN(Manoel PORTUGUESE Manoela PORTUGUESE Emanuel PORTUGUESE Manuela PORTUGUESE Nela PORTUGUESE Nelinha PORTUGUESE Nelinho PORTUGUESE Emanuel ROMANIAN Emanuela ROMANIAN Manuela ROMANIAN Emanuel SLOVAK Manola SPANISH Manolo SPANISH Manu SPANISH Manuela SPANISH Manuelita SPANISH Emanuel SWEDISH

Common questions about the name Manuel

What does the name Manuel mean?

Manuel means "God is with us" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Manuel?

Manuel is currently ranked #333 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Manuel?

Manuel originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Manuel?

Manuel is a two-syllable name pronounced M AA0 N W EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Manuel more of a girl or boy name?

Manuel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.