Origin and meaning of the name Manoli

Manoli is a diminutive form of Emmanuel, which is derived from the Hebrew name אמנואל ('immanu'el), meaning "God with us." The name Manoli is most commonly used in Greek-speaking regions. It originated as a nickname or familiar form of Emmanuel and became popular as an independent given name in its own right.

Learn more about the origin of the name Manoli

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Manoli

Manoli is a given name, predominantly of Greek origin. It is a diminutive form of Emmanuel, which means "God with us" in Hebrew. The name Emmanuel gained popularity due to its biblical reference, as it is the name of the Messiah prophesied to be born to the Virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14). Over time, the name Emmanuel has been contracted and diminutivized into various forms, such as Manoli, Manuel, and Manny. These names are popular not only in Greece but also in other parts of the world with a significant Greek influence, like Cyprus, Spain, and South America. The name Manoli conveys a sense of strong leadership, divine guidance, and warmth.

Character traits associated with the name Manoli

Manoli, originating from Greece, is often associated with traits such as courage, determination, and resilience. This name is believed to be derived from the Greek word 'manis', meaning 'devoted to Zeus'. Those named Manoli are typically thought to possess strong leadership qualities, embodying the spirit of boldness and fearlessness attributed to the ancient Greek god. Additionally, Manolis are often perceived as passionate individuals who value loyalty and commitment in their personal and professional relationships. They are known for their charismatic nature and ability to inspire those around them, making them natural leaders and problem solvers.

Popularity of the name Manoli

The given name Manoli is a diminutive form of Emmanouil, which is the Greek equivalent of the Biblical name Emmanuel. While not widely popular globally, it holds significance within Greek-speaking communities. In Greece, the name has been consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular names for boys since the 2000s, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority. However, its popularity varies across regions and generations. In recent years, a trend towards more unique and unconventional names has led to a slight decrease in Manoli's ranking within the list of most common Greek names. Despite this decline, it remains a name with a distinct cultural identity and emotional resonance for many families in Greece and the Greek diaspora.

Famous people with the name Manoli

Manolis are named after the Greek form of Emmanuel, meaning "God is with us." Notable individuals bearing this name include:

1. Manolis Glezos (1922-), a Greek politician and resistance fighter who was involved in the resistance against the Axis powers during World War II.

2. Manolis Andronikos (1917-1992), an archaeologist known for his discoveries at Vergina, which proved that Philip II of Macedon was buried in a tomb filled with gold treasures.

3. Manolis Chiotis (1875-1918), a Greek poet who is considered one of the greatest figures of modern Greek literature.

4. Manolis Lemos (1920-1962), a Cypriot singer and musician, often referred to as the "Cyprus Nightingale."

5. Manolis Siopis (1956-2017), a South African artist known for his conceptual and multimedia installations.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, archaeology, literature, music, and art.

Variations of the name Manoli

Manoli is primarily a masculine given name of Greek origin, derived from the elements "manos," meaning hand, and "leon," meaning lion. The name Manoli can have several variations, including:

1. Manuel (Spanish)
2. Emmanuel (French, German)
3. Emanuele (Italian)
4. Mánuel (Portuguese, Galician)
5. Menoł (Polish)
6. Manolis (Greek)
7. Emiliano (Spanish and Italian)
8. Manuelo (Sicilian)
9. Manolo (Spanish, Mexican, Filipino)
10. Manny (English, African American Vernacular English)

These variations share a similar meaning as their root name, Manos, but may have different regional spellings and pronunciations depending on the language and culture.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "manoli"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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