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Last Name Manuel-ferrara

What is the origin of the last name Manuel-ferrara?

The surname Manuel-Ferrara is a composite surname derived from two distinct origins. The first part, "Manuel", is a popular male given name of Portuguese and Spanish origin, meaning "devoted to God." It was borne by many European rulers in the Middle Ages and has been used as a surname since that period. The second part, "Ferrara," is an Italian location-based surname. In medieval times, people often took their occupation or the name of the village where they lived as their surname. Ferrara was a city in northern Italy, known for its iron production and later becoming an important cultural and political center during the Renaissance. Thus, the surname Manuel-Ferrara may have been originally taken by someone who was of Portuguese or Spanish descent and lived in or hailed from the Italian city of Ferrara. However, it's essential to note that the exact origin can vary for each individual bearing this name, as surnames can be influenced by a multitude of factors including migration, assimilation, and historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Manuel-ferrara

The meaning and origin of the last name Manuel-ferrara

The surname Manuel-Ferrara is a composite name, formed by combining two separate family names: Manuel and Ferrara. The name Manuel is of Hebrew origin and means "God is with us." It was popularized in the Christian world during the Middle Ages due to its association with several saints named Manuel. On the other hand, the surname Ferrara has Italian origins, stemming from the city of Ferrara, a historic city in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The name is thought to be derived from the Latin word "ferraria," meaning "blacksmith's shop." Over time, this occupation-based name became a hereditary surname for families living near or originating from Ferrara. The combination of these two names, Manuel-Ferrara, would have likely occurred when an individual with the name Manuel moved to or was associated with the city of Ferrara, adopting both names as part of their family identity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Manuel-ferrara

The surname Manuel-Ferrara has its roots predominantly in two regions: Portugal and France. In Portugal, where the name is frequently spelled as just 'Manuel,' it is most concentrated in the northwestern region of Minho and in Lisbon, the capital. Historically, this region was known for its seafaring tradition, which may have contributed to the dispersal of Manuel-related surnames across other regions of Portugal.

In France, the combined form 'Manuel-Ferrara' is less common but still found primarily in the southern region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Corsica. These areas have had historical ties to Genoa, Italy, which could explain the presence of a Portuguese-sounding surname. Additionally, small clusters of the name can be found in other parts of France, often among families with Mediterranean or Iberian origins.

In recent times, due to global migration patterns, individuals with the surname Manuel-Ferrara can now be found in various countries worldwide, particularly in North America, South America, and Western Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Manuel-ferrara

The surname Manuel-Ferrara has several spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. These include but are not limited to: Manouel-Ferrera, Manuel Ferra, Manouel Ferraro, Manuel de Ferrara, Manuele-Ferrari, and Manouel Ferrera. These variations may be found across different regions and cultures, reflecting the mobility and diversity of people bearing this name. It is important to note that surnames like these can have Italian, French, or Spanish origins, with 'Manuel' typically being a given name of Iberian origin and 'Ferrara' a place name originating from Italy. The variation in spelling reflects the historical and cultural contexts in which the name has been passed down through generations.

Famous people with the last name Manuel-ferrara

Manuel Ferrara is a notable figure in the adult film industry, recognized for his prolific acting career spanning over two decades. Born on November 1, 1975, in France, he entered the industry in the late 1990s and quickly rose to fame due to his versatile performances and high-profile relationships within the industry. He has won numerous awards, including multiple AVN Awards for Best Actor and Male Performer of the Year. Beyond adult films, Ferrara ventured into directing, producing, and even writing screenplays. In 2015, he launched his own production company, Studio 20:00. Outside of pornography, he has made appearances in mainstream media such as the French reality TV show "Secret Story." Another Manuel Ferrara, born in Spain in 1969, is a professional wrestler who competed under the ring name Big Daddy. He is best known for his time with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) during the early 2000s. In WWE, he was part of tag teams like The APA and The World's Greatest Tag Team. After retiring from active competition in 2013, Ferrara became a trainer at the WWE Performance Center.

Genealogical research on the last name Manuel-ferrara

The surname Manuel-Ferrara is a composite, derived from two distinct ancestral lines – Manuel and Ferrara. The Manuel lineage originates from the Iberian Peninsula, with roots traceable to Galicia, Spain. This branch of the family, traditionally bearing the name Manuel, has been documented as far back as the 13th century during the reign of King Afonso III of Portugal.

The Ferrara lineage, on the other hand, can be traced back to the Ferrara region in Italy, where it was first recorded during the Middle Ages. The family name Ferrara is associated with the powerful Duchy of Ferrara, which thrived between the 14th and 16th centuries under the rule of various prominent families.

The amalgamation of these two lineages into the combined surname Manuel-Ferrara likely occurred during a period when intermarriage between families was common, particularly among the nobility. The exact timeline for this fusion is unknown, but research suggests it may have taken place between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. As such, the Manuel-Ferrara family can be considered a blend of Iberian and Italian heritage.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 15 June 2025

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