Manning

male

Origin

English origin, derived from Old French 'manning', a variant of 'manne' meaning 'servant' or 'attendant'. It was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest and became a surname indicating association with a servant or attendant. The name is primarily used as a surname but has seen usage as a given name in Australia.

Meaning

'Servant' or 'attendant'. In Australian English, it carries a rugged, masculine connotation, often associated with strength and leadership qualities, owing to its phonetic similarity to words like 'man' and 'mighty'.

Pronunciation

/ˈmænɪŋ/ (MAN-ing; stress on the first syllable) in Australian English pronunciation, sounding robust and straightforward, consonant with the name's strong, masculine connotation.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Manning (original form)
  • Manning (alternative spelling, less common)
  • Manon (French variation, unrelated etymologically)

Nicknames

  • Man
  • Manny
  • Manns

Name Days

  • 10 September (Saint Manning's Day, celebrated in some Christian calendars for the martyr Saint Manning)
  • 15 August (Feast of Saint Mary Manning, in some liturgical traditions)
  • 12 July (Māori celebration of Rā Whānau, highlighting family and community, with occasional references to traditional names like Manning in recent times)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with manning:

  • James Manning and William Manning
  • Manning James and Manning Oliver
  • Thomas Manning and Michael Manning

Fun Facts

  • The name Manning is also associated with the famous Australian rugby league family, including the legendary Andrew and Brett Manning.
  • Manning is used as a place name in Australia, such as Manning Point in New South Wales.
  • The Manning River in northern NSW is named after Sir William Manning, an early colonial administrator.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name manning:

  • Strong
  • Resilient
  • Dependable
  • Leader-like

Aesthetic Qualities

Bold and straightforward, the name visually and typographically conveys strength, making it suitable for both casual and formal contexts in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in eastern states such as New South Wales and Queensland, especially in regions with historical British settlement influence. Less common in remote northern areas.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8, associated with power, authority, and material success, aligning well with the name's cultural connotations of strength and leadership.

Astrological Connections

Connected to the zodiac sign Scorpio, reflecting intensity and determination, traits often attributed to individuals named Manning in popular astrology circles.

Historical Context

The surname Manning gained prominence through notable Australian figures such as Sir William Manning (administrator and politician). In literature, Manning appears as a character name in early 20th-century Australian novels, symbolising strength and resilience.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts minimally in other languages, primarily retaining its spelling and pronunciation in English-speaking countries. Variations in spelling are rare outside Australian and British contexts.

Famous People Named manning

  • Manfred Manning (Political figure)
  • Jason Manning (Cricketer)
  • Matthew Manning (Author and mentalist)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 1