The surname Mancilla is a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from the given name Manz (short for Manuel), which means "God with us" in Hebrew. The suffix "-illa" is a common feminine diminutive ending in Spanish, but it can also be used to form masculine surnames, such as Mancilla.
The origin of the surname Mancilla can be traced back to medieval Spain, particularly in the region of Castile. It was typically given to sons of men named Manz and is one of many Spanish surnames that were formed during the late Middle Ages and early Modern Period as a result of the Christian reconquest of Iberia from Muslim rule. During this time, new systems for recording personal names and family lineages emerged, leading to the widespread use of patronymic and occupational surnames in Spain.
It's worth noting that the name Mancilla is also found in other Spanish-speaking countries, as well as among people of Spanish descent in Latin America and elsewhere. The distribution and frequency of the surname can vary depending on the specific region or population being considered.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Mancilla
The meaning and origin of the last name Mancilla
The surname Mancilla is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name Manuel or Emmanuel. The name Manuel is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God with us." Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Manzana (apple tree in Spanish) and Mancilla.
The transformation of Manuel to Mancilla might have occurred due to phonetic changes and regional dialects in medieval Spain. The addition of the suffix "-illa" is a common practice in Hispanic naming conventions, often used to denote feminine forms or diminutives of male names. However, like many surnames, the exact origin and historical background of Mancilla can vary based on the specific family lineage.
The name became increasingly popular in Spain during the Middle Ages, later spreading to Latin America due to colonization by Spanish explorers and settlers. Today, Mancilla is a relatively common surname among Hispanics, particularly those of Spanish or Mexican descent.
Geographical distribution of the last name Mancilla
The surname Mancilla is predominantly found in Spain and Latin America, particularly Mexico, due to historical migration patterns. In Spain, it is most frequent in regions like Cantabria, La Rioja, Castile-Leon, and Madrid. In Mexico, Mancilla is among the top 1000 most common last names, with a significant concentration in states such as Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Veracruz, reflecting a long history of Spanish colonization. Additionally, there are also sizable Mancilla populations in other Latin American countries like Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela, as well as in the Philippines, where it originated from Basque immigrants.
Variants and spellings of the last name Mancilla
The surname Mancilla has several variations and spellings, mostly due to differences in transliteration from Spanish to English over time. Some common variants include: Manzilla, Mancella, Manzilha, Manchila, Mantzila, and Manchyla. These variations may arise from regional dialects or historical transcription errors. Additionally, it's important to note that some individuals may have Anglicized the name, leading to more variations such as Mannsillah, Manchella, or Mankilla. Regardless of spelling, the root word "Mancilla" originates from the Spanish word "manzana," which means apple. This surname is common in Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and Spain.
Famous people with the last name Mancilla
The Mancilla surname is prevalent among individuals of Hispanic descent, particularly in Mexico and the United States. Notable figures bearing this name include:
1. Juan Mancilla, a renowned Mexican composer and pianist, known for his contributions to contemporary classical music.
2. Julio César Chávez Mancilla, a professional boxer from Mexico, who held multiple world championships in three weight classes throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Often referred to as "Julio César Chávez Sr." or simply "El Cejas," he is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
3. Luis Mancilla, a Mexican professional footballer who has played for clubs such as Pumas UNAM and Pachuca, and the Mexico national team. He is known for his versatility, playing various positions in midfield.
4. Héctor Mancilla, a Chilean professional footballer who started his career with Colo-Colo and later played for clubs like Boca Juniors and Internacional. He is a former member of the Chile national team.
5. María Antonia Mancilla, also known as La India Maria, a popular Mexican singer and songwriter who sings traditional Mexican ranchera music, among other genres. She has won several awards for her work in the music industry.
Genealogical research on the last name Mancilla
The surname Mancilla is of Spanish origin, derived from the occupational name "el mancillo," which translates to "the mace-bearer" in English. This surname was commonly found among officials in the medieval courts of Castile and León in Spain.
The Mancillas are believed to have origins dating back to the 10th century, with a notable lineage tracing back to Lope Díaz de Haro, who was an important figure during the Reconquista period. The Mancillas played significant roles in medieval Spanish history, serving as noblemen, clergy, and soldiers.
The Mancilla family spread across Spain and eventually migrated to other parts of the world due to colonization efforts. Many descendants of the Mancilla family can be found today throughout Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba, where the surname remains common. In modern times, many Mancillas have also settled in the United States.
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.
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