Surname Manning - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Deep-Rooted History and Global Span of Manning Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test

My recent iGENEA DNA test uncovered surprising insights and deep heritage about my surname 'Manning'. The test indicated a strong Irish origin for the surname that goes back centuries and also pointed out connections in England and Wales. Distinct genetic markers linked the surname to the R1b haplogroup, common in Western Europe, broadening the lineage's historical scope to include a narrative of survival, migration, and international dispersion.

M. Manning

Manning: What does the surname Manning mean?

The surname Manning is of ancient Old English origins dating back to the pre-7th century. It primarily derives from the past participle, "mannung," signifying "the son of man." Over time, this evolved into Manning – 'mann' being the Old English term for man and the suffix 'ing' indicating "son of" or "descendant of". Therefore, the surname could potentially mean "the son of a man" or "descendant of a man." But, in a broader cultural context, it is seen to signify "son of the hero" or "son of a valiant man". Like most ancient surnames, it was probably initially used to identify distinctive features of an individual, in this case, masculinity, bravery, or heroism potentially displayed by an ancestor. You can find this surname in varied forms across Europe due to migratory patterns, including Germany, Denmark, and Ireland. However, it is most commonly found in English-speaking nations today. Notable figures with this last name include professional American football players Peyton and Eli Manning.

Manning: Where does the name Manning come from?

The surname Manning is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English term "mann" which means "man" or "person", and the suffix "ing" indicating "descendant of." So, the surname Manning essentially means "descendant of man." This could have possibly been a nickname to distinguish the size or manliness of a person, which later got passed down as a surname. An alternative explanation might be that Manning could be patronymic, where it referred to the son of a man named Mann.

Today, the surname Manning is quite common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, it is particularly prevalent in the southern states. Notable individuals with the surname include NFL quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning.

Variations of the surname Manning

The surname Manning has its roots in Old English and Irish. The Old English variant originates from the term "mann" meaning man, while the Irish variant derives from "Mag nEnnae" that translates to the 'descendant of Ennae.' Some common variants and similar spellings of the surname Manning include Mannings, Maning, Manings, Manne, Mannen, Manne, Mannon, and Manion.

Manning has also been registered as Mannion in Ireland, particularly in County Galway. Other Irish variants include Ó Mainnín and Ó Mainín. In some cases, the name might have morphed into Manley and Manly, particularly in English-speaking countries.

It should be noted that there might be other variations, simplifications, or complex versions of this surname due to regional dialects, immigration records, or simple recording errors. Therefore, tracing the surname in genealogical records might require exploring these variations as well.

Famous people with the name Manning

• Peyton Manning: American sports analyst, former professional football quarterback, and two-time Super Bowl champion, as well as winner of five NFL Most Viewable Player Awards.
• Eli Manning: American former professional football quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion.
• Archie Manning: American former football quarterback and father of Peyton and Eli Manning.
• Olivia Manning: British novelist, widely respected for her writing.
• Jane Manning James: African-American convert to the Latter Day Saint movement and strong advocate of plural marriage as practiced by Joseph Smith, Jr.
• Manning Marable: American historian of African-American history, director of the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University, and professor of public affairs, history and African-American Studies.
• Garner Ted Armstrong: American evangelist and the son of Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of the Radio Church of God, which subsequently become the Worldwide Church of God.
• Carrie Manning: American actress, best known for playing Chloe Wheeler on the ABC Family drama The Nine Lives of Chloe King.
• Alex Manning: prominent British barrister and former broadcast journalist, and the older brother of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
• Robert Manning: the third Baron of Braybrooke, was created a life peer in 1946, as Baron Brocket, of Great Amwell in the County of Hertford.

Other surnames

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