Last Name Manji

The last name Manji is of Japanese origin. In Japanese, "manji" can refer to a swastika symbol, which holds different meanings in Japanese culture compared to Western cultures. The surname Manji may have originated from a family that used or worked with this symbol in some way.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Manji

The meaning and origin of the last name Manji

Manji is a surname of Japanese origin, where it is written as 満地. The name can be transliterated in various ways to the Latin alphabet, such as Manji, Manjiro, or Manjirou. The meaning of the surname Manji is derived from the combination of the characters "満" meaning "full" or "complete" and "地" meaning "earth" or "land". Thus, the surname Manji can be interpreted as "full land" or "complete earth". Surnames in Japan were traditionally derived from geographic locations, occupations, or physical attributes, and the surname Manji likely originated from a place or feature with the characteristics of being full or complete in terms of land. Today, the surname Manji is not as commonly found in Japan compared to more common surnames such as Suzuki or Tanaka.

Geographical distribution of the last name Manji

The surname Manji is of Arabic origin and is predominantly found in East Africa, particularly in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Manji family name is also prevalent in India and Pakistan, indicating a connection to South Asia as well. In addition, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Manji in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, likely due to migration patterns and diaspora communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Manji is diverse, spanning across multiple continents and regions, with a concentration in East Africa and South Asia. This suggests a rich history and cultural significance associated with the name, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and ancestries of individuals who bear the surname Manji.

Variants and spellings of the last name Manji

The last name Manji can be spelled in various ways such as Manjee, Manjy, Manjey, Manje, and Manjii. Additionally, it may be spelled with a different first letter such as Nanji, Banji, Tanji, Kanji, or Panji. These variations can be attributed to different transliterations and phonetic interpretations of the name from its original language. The last name Manji is of Indian or Middle Eastern origin and may have different meanings or roots depending on the region or language. Despite the different spellings, all variations of the last name Manji likely trace back to a common ancestral lineage and hold significance to those who bear the name.

Famous people with the last name Manji

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Manji is Irshad Manji, a Canadian author and advocate for reform within Islam. She has written several books, including "The Trouble with Islam Today" and "Allah, Liberty, and Love," in which she pushes for a more progressive interpretation of the religion. Another well-known figure with the same last name is Zayn Manji, a prominent architect and designer based in London. Known for his innovative and contemporary designs, Manji has worked on various high-profile projects around the world, including luxury hotels, office buildings, and residential complexes. Both Irshad and Zayn Manji have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have garnered international recognition for their work.

Genealogical research on the last name Manji

The surname Manji traces its origins to the region of Gujarat in present-day India. It is a common surname among the Khoja Shia Ismaili Muslim community, who are followers of the Aga Khan. The name Manji is believed to have been derived from the Gujarati word for bed, which may suggest a historical connection to the furniture or carpentry trade. Genealogical research on the surname Manji would likely reveal a lineage of individuals who have a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to their faith. The spread of the surname Manji may also reflect the migration patterns of the Khoja community throughout history, as they moved to different regions for trade, education, or religious purposes. Overall, delving into the genealogy of the Manji surname would provide valuable insights into the history and traditions of this diverse and vibrant community.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "manji"
• 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

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