Manuela

A beloved name with deep roots — Associated with variou
Spanish origin · Girl name
0% boys100% girls
#2573US 2025
68Births / yr
Falling
10.8kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.02% of births at peak
How to pronounce Manuela
manw·AY·luh
/mænw.ˈeɪ.lə/ · stress on AY · 3 syllables
A beloved name with deep roots
Associated with variou · Spanish origin

What does Manuela mean and where does it come from?

Manuela is a feminine form of Manuel, which is derived from the Hebrew name 'Immanuel' (עמנואל), meaning 'God is with us'. This name has deep cultural roots in Spanish and Portuguese languages, prevalent in various countries including Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Brazil. It is associated with variou

Cultural significance
Manuela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #486 in 1920 — currently #2573 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Manuela?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Manuela?

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

Manuela Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Manuela Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Manuela Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Manuela Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Manuela Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Manuela Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Manuela
Browse ideas →

How popular is Manuela right now?

Falling — down 481 spots — currently #2573 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802025#2573 · Top 1.9%
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2025#257368▼ down 481 · -26% births
2024#209292▼ down 1065 · -92% births
2023#10271,173▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022#10321,153▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021#10371,123▲ up 992 · +1148% births
2020#202990▲ up 739 · +43% births
2015#276863▲ up 35 · +2% births
2010#280362▼ down 166 · -3% births
2005#263764▼ down 302 · -3% births
2000#233566▼ down 52 · +14% births
1995#228358▲ up 154 · +16% births
1990#243750▼ down 674 · -22% births
1985#176364▼ down 286 · -22% births
1980#147782▼ down 38 · +14% births
1975#143972

The story of Manuela

Manuela has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 10,668 babies have received this name. Manuela is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Manuela in 1920:

Manuela by decade

Manuela peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

DecadeBirths
1880s76
1890s163
1900s368
1910s999
1920s1,912
1930s1,157
1940s1,087
1950s813
1960s637
1970s654
1980s596
1990s681
2000s738
2010s697
2020s250

What are good nicknames for Manuela?

GERMAN
ManuManuela
PORTUGUESE
ManuelaNelaNelinha
ROMANIAN
Manuela
SPANISH
ManolaManuelita

Famous people named Manuela

M(
Manuela (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Manuela bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
M(
Manuela (Latin American historical figure)
Manuela used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
M(
Manuela (Spanish royal)
Manuela held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
M(
Manuela (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Manuela bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
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Common questions about the name Manuela

What does the name Manuela mean?
Manuela means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Manuela?
Manuela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Manuela?
Manuela originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Manuela?
Manuela is a three-syllable name pronounced manw-AY-luh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Manuela?
Manuela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.