Last Name Mana

The last name "Mana" is of Polynesian origin, specifically from the Maori people of New Zealand. In Maori culture, "mana" is a term that refers to prestige, respect, authority, and spiritual power. The surname "Mana" likely originated as a given name or nickname that represented these qualities. Over time, it became adopted as a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mana

The meaning and origin of the last name Mana

The surname Mana is of Japanese origin and is derived from the traditional Japanese word "man" which means "ten thousand." In Japanese culture, the number ten thousand is often used as a metaphor for infinity or a large quantity. The surname Mana may have originated as a nickname for someone who was considered to be very numerous or plentiful in some way. It is also possible that the surname Mana was given to a person who had a deep connection or affinity with the concept of infinity or abundance. Overall, the surname Mana carries the connotation of abundance, infinity, and prosperity, reflecting the importance of these qualities in Japanese culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mana

The last name Mana has a diverse geographical distribution around the world. It is commonly found in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in Southeast Asia, where it may be of Malaysian or Indonesian origin. In the Middle East, Mana is a common surname in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, where it is of Arabic or Hebrew origin. In Europe, Mana can be found in countries such as Spain, Greece, and Italy, where it may have originated from Greek or Spanish-speaking communities. Additionally, Mana is also present in Latin America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, where it may be of Spanish or Portuguese origin. Overall, the last name Mana has a widespread distribution across different regions and cultures, reflecting the global diversity of its bearers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mana

The last name Mana can be found with a few variations and spellings, including Manna, Manah, Manahs, and Manas. These variations may be a result of different transliterations from various languages or dialects. Mana is a common surname in countries such as Italy, Greece, and India, where it may be spelled with different accents or characters depending on the local alphabet. The name could also be spelled Ma'na or Maana in some Middle Eastern cultures. Despite these variations, the meaning of the surname remains consistent across different regions, often symbolizing honor, integrity, or spiritual power. Overall, the diverse spellings and variations of the last name Mana showcase the rich linguistic and cultural tapestry of the world.

Famous people with the last name Mana

Enrique "Ricky" Martin Morales, known simply as Ricky Martin, is a famous Puerto Rican singer, actor, and author. With hits like "Livin' la Vida Loca" and "She Bangs," Martin has become one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time. He has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards, and has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, singer Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez, better known as Héctor Lavoe, was a pioneering figure in the salsa music genre. With his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Lavoe became one of the most influential Latin music artists of the 20th century. Both Martin and Lavoe have left a lasting impact on the music industry and have solidified their places in music history.

Genealogical research on the last name Mana

The last name Mana is of Spanish origin and is believed to be of toponymic descent, deriving from the word "mano" which means "hand" in Spanish. This surname could have originated as a nickname for someone with skilled hands or as an occupational name for a craftsman. The Mana surname has also been found in other cultures and countries such as Hawaii, where it means "power" or "spiritual energy". In genealogical research, individuals with the last name Mana can be traced back to various regions in Spain and Latin America. It is important to note that surname meanings and origins can vary depending on the region and time period, so further research and documentation would be needed to pinpoint specific ancestral connections for individuals with the last name Mana.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mana"
• Global distribution of the surname 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends