Emanuel is a masculine given name derived from the Hebrew name Immanu'el, meaning "God is with us." The name has its origins in ancient Israelite culture and is first mentioned in the biblical Book of Isaiah, dating back to around the 8th century BCE.

The name became more widely used in the Christian tradition as a reference to the New Testament's description of Jesus as "Emmanuel," a translation of the Hebrew Immanu'el. This biblical connection contributed to the name's popularity throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period in Europe.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Emanuel was Emanuel ben Jacob, a 13th-century French Jewish scholar and writer. Another notable figure was Emanuel of Constantinople, a 14th-century Byzantine ruler and co-emperor.

In the 15th century, Emanuel I was the King of Portugal from 1495 to 1521. His reign saw the expansion of Portuguese exploration and colonization efforts, including the establishment of trading posts in Africa and Asia.

During the 17th century, Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish philosopher and theologian, became known for his prolific writings on mystical and spiritual topics. He was born in 1688 and died in 1772.

In the 18th century, Emanuel Leutze, a German-American painter, gained recognition for his historical paintings, including the famous work "Washington Crossing the Delaware" from 1851. He lived from 1816 to 1868.

As the name Emanuel spread across various cultures and languages, it underwent slight variations in spelling and pronunciation, such as Emmanuel, Immanuel, or Manel. However, the underlying meaning and biblical origins remained consistent.

Throughout history, the name Emanuel has been borne by numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds, including religious leaders, monarchs, artists, and scholars, reflecting its enduring appeal and cultural significance across multiple regions and eras.