Manuela is a feminine given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the male name Manuel, which means "God is with us" in Hebrew. The name Manuela has been popular among Spanish-speaking communities for centuries and has since gained international recognition.
The name Manuela first appears in literature in the late Middle Ages. In the Spanish novel "La Celestina," published around 1499, one of the main characters is named Melibea. However, she is often referred to as Manuela throughout the story, suggesting that this diminutive form of Manuel was already in use at that time.
In Spain, Manuela has been a popular name for girls since the early modern period. It reached its peak popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was among the top ten names given to newborn girls in Spain. Although its popularity has since declined, Manuela remains a beloved name in Spanish-speaking countries.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Manuela. One of the most famous is Manuela Saenz (1797-1856), a Ecuadorian revolutionary who played a crucial role in the liberation of her country from Spanish rule. She was known for her bravery and intelligence, and she became a national heroine after her death.
Today, Manuela continues to be a popular name among Spanish-speaking families around the world. Its meaning – "God is with us" – gives it a warm and comforting connotation that has resonated with parents for generations. Despite its long history, however, Manuela remains relatively uncommon outside of Spain and Latin America, making it a unique and distinctive choice for a child's name.
Manuela is a unique and charming name that has been bestowed upon newborns in the United States for many decades. According to available statistics, the name Manuela experienced its peak popularity during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
In 1926, there were six newborn girls named Manuela, marking the beginning of a notable period for this name. This number remained consistent in 1927, with another six girls being named Manuela. However, by 1928, the popularity of the name began to decline slightly, with only five births recorded that year.
Interestingly, the name Manuela made a comeback in 1930 and 1931, with six and seven births respectively. This brief resurgence suggests that there was something particularly appealing about the name during this period. However, by 1932, the popularity of Manuela declined once again, with only five births recorded that year.
Overall, from 1926 to 1932, a total of 35 newborn girls in the United States were named Manuela. While this number may seem small compared to more popular names of the time, it is important to remember that each one of these girls carries a unique and distinctive name that sets them apart from their peers.
In conclusion, while Manuela may not have been one of the most popular names in the United States during the late 1920s and early 1930s, its consistent appearance on birth records over this seven-year period demonstrates that it was a name that resonated with parents during this time.