NomOrigine Background

Last Name Mani

What is the origin of the last name Mani?

The last name "Mani" is of Persian origin. It is derived from the word "manī," which means "jewel" or "gem" in Persian. This last name likely originated as a surname for individuals who were involved in the jewellery trade or who were considered precious and valuable like a jewel.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mani

The meaning and origin of the last name Mani

The surname Mani is of Italian origin and is derived from the personal name Mani, which is a short form of the name Emanuele, meaning "God is with us" in Hebrew. The name could have originated from the medieval Latin name Manius, derived from the Roman personal name Manius, meaning "good" or "kind." The surname Mani may have been used as a given name for a child born during Christmas time, as "Emmanuel" is also a biblical name given to Jesus Christ. Alternatively, it may have been a nickname for someone who was seen as a protector or a guide for others. Overall, the surname Mani carries a strong religious connotation and likely originated from a personal or occupational name in Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mani

The surname Mani is of Indian origin and is most commonly found in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu in India. It is also present in significant numbers in Pakistan, particularly in the regions of Punjab and Sindh. Outside of South Asia, the surname Mani can be found in smaller concentrations in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, due to migration patterns and historical ties between these countries and India. In Europe, particularly in countries like Italy and Greece, the name Mani is also present, likely due to interactions with Indian communities in those regions. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Mani is primarily centered in South Asia, with smaller but noticeable pockets of presence in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mani

The last name Mani can be spelled in various ways depending on cultural or regional differences. Some variations of the last name Mani include Manee, Manni, Mane, Mhani, Manei, and many more. These variations often reflect the way the name has been transliterated or adapted to fit different language systems or dialects. The last name Mani is of Indian origin and can be found in various parts of the country, as well as in other countries with significant Indian diaspora communities. Regardless of the spelling or variation, the last name Mani likely carries a similar meaning or significance to those who bear it, representing a shared ancestry or cultural heritage.

Famous people with the last name Mani

One of the most famous people with the last name Mani is the founder of Manichaeism, a major religion that emerged in the 3rd century AD. Another notable figure is V. T. Mani, an Indian archaeologist known for his excavations at important historical sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. In the world of sports, Italian footballer Alessandro Mani is well known for his skills on the field. Additionally, Yervant Mani was a renowned Armenian art collector and philanthropist who played a significant role in promoting Armenian culture and heritage. Overall, the Mani surname has been associated with individuals who have made significant contributions in the fields of religion, archaeology, sports, and art, leaving a lasting impact on their respective industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Mani

The surname Mani has its origins in Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Veneto. It is believed to be derived from the personal name Manzo, which means "large" or "big" in Italian. The Mani family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with records showing individuals with this surname holding positions of authority and importance in various Italian cities. Over time, the Mani family spread to other parts of Europe, with some branches settling in the United States and South America. Today, individuals with the last name Mani can be found in countries all over the world, with genealogical research showing connections to other surnames such as Manzo, Manetti, and Manzi. The study of the Mani family history continues to uncover new information about the origins and movements of this surname throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Man bc (Last name)

surnames > man-bc

The last name "Man" is of English origin and is an occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "manne," which means "man" or "person." This surname may have originall...

Man ko manxe (Last name)

surnames > man-ko-manxe

The last name "Man Ko Manxe" is of Nepali origin. It is a common surname used in Nepal.

Man pacoo (Last name)

surnames > man-pacoo

The surname "Man Pacoo" does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname with no widely known background or etymolog...

Man sha (Last name)

surnames > man-sha

The last name "Man Sha" is of Chinese origin. It is a combination of the two Chinese characters "Man" and "Sha," which likely have individual meanings or origins in Chinese languag...

Man shrestha (Last name)

surnames > man-shrestha

The last name "Shrestha" originates from Nepal. It is a common surname among the Newar community in Nepal and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Shrestha," meaning noble or excelle...

Man singh (Last name)

surnames > man-singh

The last name "Man Singh" originates from India. It is a common surname among the Rajput community in the northern region of the country. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word...

Man unted (Last name)

surnames > man-unted

The surname "Manunted" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "M�net�d", which means "the moon shines", and is thought to have been given to som...

Mana gujjar (Last name)

surnames > mana-gujjar

The last name "Gujjar" originates from the Gujjar community in India and Pakistan. The Gujjar people are traditionally pastoral nomads and belong to the Gurjar clan. The name "Mana...

Mana khan (Last name)

surnames > mana-khan

The last name "Mana Khan" originates from South Asia, particularly from regions such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. "Khan" is a common surname used by Pashtun and other Centr...

Mana-ay (Last name)

surnames > mana-ay

The last name "Manaay" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the name of a place in the Philippines called Mañjuyod in the Negros Oriental province. The surname is likely to h...

Manaatil (Last name)

surnames > manaatil

The last name "Manaátll" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "manāṭil," which means "scales" or "balances."

Mañabo (Last name)

surnames > manabo

The last name Manabo is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the name of a town in the Philippines called Manabo.

Manachchige (Last name)

surnames > manachchige

The last name "Manachchige" is of Sri Lankan origin and is commonly found among the Sinhalese ethnic group in Sri Lanka.

Manachi (Last name)

surnames > manachi

The surname Manachi is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Italian word "mano," meaning "hand."

Manacmul (Last name)

surnames > manacmul

The last name Manacmul is of Filipino origin.