Last Name Manetti

The surname Manetti is Italian and originates from various places in Italy, with multiple possible origins. One theory suggests that it could be a variant of the Roman family name Manius, which was derived from the Latin word "manus," meaning hand. Another theory proposes that it might be a nickname for someone who was skilled at making or using small tools (manetti in Italian means little hands), possibly a locksmith or a miniaturist artist. Additionally, there is evidence of Manetti being a toponymic surname, meaning it comes from the name of a place. In Tuscany, for example, there are several towns and villages named Maneto and Maneti. The inhabitants of these places might have adopted these names as their own when they moved or migrated elsewhere. However, as with many surnames, the exact origin of Manetti is not always clear and may vary depending on individual family histories and regional customs.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Manetti

The meaning and origin of the last name Manetti

The surname Manetti originates from Italy and is derived from various locations bearing the same name, indicating it is a locative surname. The most notable among these places are Mante (Emilia-Romagna) and Manteiga (Marche), both of which have been inhabited since ancient Roman times.

The name Mante, in particular, is thought to be derived from the Etruscan word "mant", meaning "hand," possibly referring to a hand-shaped hill or a local custom associated with that shape. The surname Manetti is a variation of Mante, likely used as a possessive form or a way to denote multiple descendants from the same family.

Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved due to various factors such as regional dialects, migration, and assimilation. Today, the surname Manetti can be found in numerous Italian communities around the world, reflecting its historical origins and subsequent dispersal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Manetti

The surname Manetti has a significant presence primarily in Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria regions, reflecting its Italian origins. It is most concentrated in cities like Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, and Pisa. Beyond Italy, the distribution of this surname can be found to some extent in other countries with substantial Italian immigrant populations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States, particularly in regions with a high concentration of Italian immigrants like New York City, Chicago, and Boston. The Manetti surname is not as widely dispersed globally compared to more common Italian names but maintains a noticeable presence in these locations due to migration patterns over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Manetti

The surname Manetti has several variations and spellings in different regions and time periods. Some of the most common variants include Manetty, Manietti, Manneti, Manitelli, Manettis, Manetta, and Manetia. These variations can be found in Italian-speaking countries as well as among the Italian diaspora worldwide. The root "Manetti" is derived from the occupational name for a craftsman who made or repaired small metal objects, such as buckles or buttons. This surname may also have geographical origins, referring to someone from Mante, a city in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. These variations and spellings highlight the historical and cultural diversity of the Manetti family name.

Famous people with the last name Manetti

Notable individuals with the surname Manetti include:

1. Piero di Cosimo de' Medici Manetti (1472-1534), an Italian humanist and statesman who served as secretary to Pope Leo X, son of Lorenzo de' Medici.
2. Giulio Manetti (1816-1895), an Italian architect and engineer known for his work on the restoration of Florence's Piazza del Duomo.
3. Mario Manetti (born 1947), an Italian actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Name of the Rose" and "The Last Emperor."
4. Marco Manetti (born 1968), an Italian racing cyclist who won stages of the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España.
5. Matteo Manfredi Manetti (active 1430-1470), an Italian sculptor known for his work on the Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence.

Genealogical research on the last name Manetti

The Manetti surname originates from Italy, specifically Tuscany, and is a variant of the Latin name "Manetius." The surname can be traced back to the Medieval period, with early records showing Manettis in Florence as early as the 13th century. Over time, the family expanded throughout Italy, with notable branches in cities like Siena, Lucca, and Arezzo. Many members of the Manetti family were involved in various professions such as banking, politics, and arts during the Renaissance period. Notable figures include Luca Manetti, a prominent Florentine painter active in the mid-15th century, and Giorgio Manetti, who served as the chancellor for Cosimo I de' Medici. Today, the surname is found in various parts of the world due to historical migrations, with significant populations in Italy, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "manetti"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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