Spanish and Portuguese form of EMMANUEL. In the spelling Μανουηλ (Manouel) it was also used in the Byzantine Empire, notably by two emperors. It is possible this form of the name was transmitted to Spain and Portugal from Byzantium, since there were connections between the royal families (king Ferdinand III of Castile married Elisabeth of Hohenstaufen, who had Byzantine roots, and had a son named Manuel). The name has been used in Iberia since at least the 13th century and was borne by two kings of Portugal.
Usage: English, French, German, Italian, Late Greek, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish
Famous People: José Manuel Barrosowiki (Politician, 1956, Portugal), Juan Manuel Matawiki (Soccer Player, 1988, Spain), José Manuel Reina Páezwiki (Soccer Player, 1982, Spain), Manuel Neuerwiki (Soccer Player, 1986, Germany), Juan Manuel Fangiowiki (Racecar Driver, 1911, Argentina), Manuel I Komnenoswiki (Politician, 1118, Turkey), Juan Manuel Santoswiki (Politician, 1951, Colombia), Manuel Almuniawiki (Soccer Player, 1977, Spain), Manuel Rivera-Ortizwiki (Photographer, 1968, Puerto Rico), Manuel II Palaiologoswiki (Politician, 1350, Turkey)