Find out how popular the last name Manha is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Manha.

Manha, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Manha surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Manha in America

Manha is the 160975th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Manha surname appeared 100 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Manha.

The history of the last name Manha

The surname MANHA originates from Portugal, with its roots dating back to the 15th century. It is believed to have derived from the Portuguese word "manha," meaning skill, cleverness, or cunning. The name was likely initially bestowed upon individuals who exhibited these qualities or possessed particular talents.

During the Age of Exploration, when Portugal was at the forefront of maritime expeditions and colonial expansion, the surname MANHA gained prominence. Some of the earliest recorded instances of this name can be found in historical documents and records from that era, such as ship manifests and colonial settlement lists.

One notable individual bearing this surname was João da Manha, a skilled navigator and explorer who accompanied Vasco da Gama on his legendary voyage to India in 1497-1499. His expertise in navigation and seamanship contributed significantly to the success of this groundbreaking expedition.

Another figure of historical significance was Beatriz da Manha, a renowned artist from the 16th century whose intricate tapestries and embroideries adorned the residences of Portuguese nobility. Her works were highly sought after and are now considered treasures of Portugal's cultural heritage.

In the 17th century, the MANHA surname gained further recognition with the birth of Pedro de Manha (1620-1695), a renowned theologian and philosopher. His scholarly works on ethics, metaphysics, and theology were widely studied and debated in academic circles across Europe.

During the 19th century, the MANHA family produced several notable military figures, including General José da Manha (1785-1868), who played a crucial role in the Peninsular War against the French forces. His tactical brilliance and leadership skills earned him a place in the annals of Portuguese military history.

Another prominent individual with the MANHA surname was Maria da Manha (1835-1912), a celebrated writer and poet whose works explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Her poetry collection, "Canções do Coração" (Songs of the Heart), remains a beloved literary treasure in Portugal.

While the MANHA surname has its roots in Portugal, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora. However, its historical significance and connection to the rich cultural heritage of Portugal remain deeply ingrained in its origins and meaning.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Manha

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Manha.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Manha was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Manha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Manha, please contact us.

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