Last Name Manor

The surname Manor is of Old French origin, derived from various places called "Maison" or "Manoir," which mean "house" or "mansion." These names were given to people who lived near such manors or houses. Over time, the spelling evolved into different forms, including Manor, Mannor, and many others, as a result of various linguistic influences and regional variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Manor

The meaning and origin of the last name Manor

The surname Manor originates from Old French and Anglo-Norman roots, specifically "maison" which means "house" or "dwelling." It was first used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a large house or manor, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who worked at such a manor. The Norman conquest of England in 1066 brought many French-speaking settlers to England, and the surname Manor is thought to have been one of those brought across the English Channel by these Normans. Over time, the spelling has evolved from various forms such as Maunoir, Ma(i)nour, Mainwaring, Mawer, and eventually Manor.

Geographical distribution of the last name Manor

The surname Manor has a predominant distribution in regions with historical Jewish communities, particularly in Europe. It is most frequently found in countries such as England, Israel, and the United States, due to Jewish migration over the centuries. In England, it is especially common in parts of London and surrounding counties, reflecting the name's origin from the Old English word "mæan" meaning "to measure" or "manor." In Israel, a significant number of people with this surname originate from immigrants from Europe, particularly Poland, Russia, and Romania. The Manor family name can also be found in smaller numbers in other European countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands. In the United States, concentrations of the Manor surname are notable in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, where there have been large Jewish immigrant populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Manor

The surname Manor has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common versions include Manour, Mannor, Maunour, Maynour, Mainor, and de Manour. These variations may be due to changes in spelling over time, regional dialects, or even simple typos. In some cases, the name might also have been anglicized from similar-sounding foreign names such as French "de Manoir" or German "von Mannois". Despite these variations, they all share a common root, originating from the Old French word "maneor", meaning "dwelling house" or "mansion".

Famous people with the last name Manor

The Manor surname has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most distinguished is Sir Roy Manor, a British engineer who made significant contributions to the design and development of aircraft during World War II. His work on the De Havilland Mosquito, a versatile multi-role combat aircraft, played a crucial role in the Allies' air superiority.

Another notable figure is Sir Ronald Manor, a British diplomat who served as High Commissioner to India from 1965 to 1970. During his tenure, he facilitated the transfer of power from Britain to India and was instrumental in establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations.

In the realm of academia, Robert Manor, an American psychologist, is known for his work on child development and attachment theory. He collaborated with John Bowlby, a pioneer in this field, and together they contributed to our understanding of human relationships and early childhood experiences.

These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements associated with the Manor surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Manor

The surname Manor is believed to have originated from various regions, reflecting its diverse historical origins. One theory suggests that it's a topographic name from Middle English 'maneur' or Old French 'manoir', meaning 'a large house or dwelling'. This interpretation implies the name was given as a means of identification for those who lived in such dwellings.

In England, the Manor family is documented back to 1327, with early records showing the name concentrated in Yorkshire and London. Notable figures include Sir Nicholas Manor, a distinguished lawyer and politician during the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII.

The Manor family also has significant representation in Scotland, with records dating back to the 15th century. In Scotland, the surname may have originated from the Gaelic 'manach', meaning monk, or could be a variant of the English 'Manor'. Notable Scots bearing this name include James Manor, a Scottish merchant and politician who played a crucial role in establishing the Bank of Scotland.

In Israel, the Manor family traces its roots to immigrants from Poland and Lithuania during the late 19th century. The family played significant roles in the development of agriculture and industry in pre-state Palestine, with notable members including Reuven Manor, a prominent Zionist leader and first Chief Commissioner of the Israeli Police.

Overall, the surname Manor demonstrates a rich history across multiple cultures, spanning several centuries and continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Manor"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends