Manuel

Manuel is a masculine given name of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Hispanic surname "Manuel," which means "God is with us" or "Gift from God." The name Manuel was traditionally bestowed upon boys born on a Saturday, as it was believed to have been the day of the week on which Jesus Christ appeared after his resurrection. The popularity of the name Manuel can be traced back to medieval Spain, where it was used as a personal name and also as a title for kings. The first known use of the name in Spain is found in the 13th-century Cantigas de Santa Maria, a collection of songs and poems honoring the Virgin Mary. In these texts, Manuel appears as a Moorish slave who converts to Christianity. Over time, the name Manuel spread beyond Spain and became popular in other Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in France, Italy, and Brazil. Today, it is still widely used throughout Europe and Latin America. Some famous bearers of the name Manuel include Portuguese explorer Manuel de Faria e Sousa (1602-1681), Spanish writer Manuel González Martínez (1879-1953), Brazilian footballer Manuel Francisco dos Santos (born 1946), also known as "Garrincha," and American actor and director Manuel Gil del Bosque (born 1968).