Emanuela
Feminine
Italian, Portuguese, Romanian
Meaning & Origin
Emanuela is a feminine given name that serves as the Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian feminine form of Emmanuel. The name Emmanuel ultimately derives from the Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל (ʿImmanuʾel), meaning "God is with us," a phrase combining the elements ʿim ("with") and ʾel ("God"). In the Old Testament, the name is prophesied as a sign of divine presence, notably in the Book of Isaiah (7:14), where it is foretold that a virgin would bear a son called Immanuel.
Etymology and Variants
Emanuela is formed by adding the feminine suffix -a to Emanuele (the Italian masculine form) or to Emanuel (the Romanian form). While the masculine forms have been widespread across Europe, the feminine Emanuela is predominantly used in Romance-language countries. The name is related to several diminutives and variants, such as Manuela, which is an Italian and Spanish diminutive, as well as the French Emmanuelle, Spanish Manola, and German Manu.
Cultural and Astronomical Significance
Beyond its Biblical heritage, Emanuela appears in astronomy as the name of 576 Emanuela, an asteroid discovered by German astronomer Paul Götz in 1905. The asteroid was named after a friend of the discoverer, though the exact person remains unrecorded. This celestial namesake adds a modern layer to the name's presence.
Notable Bearers
Notable contemporary individuals bearing the name include Emanuela Orlandi, an Italian citizen whose 1983 disappearance remains an unsolved case, and Emanuela Pacotto, an Italian voice actress known for dubbing anime. The name carries a melodic and classical resonance in Italian and Portuguese context.
Meaning: "God is with us"
Origin: Italian, Portuguese, Romanian feminine form of Emmanuel
Type: Given name (feminine)
Used in regions: Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Romania, and diasporas