MANNING
Manning is a surname of English origin that finds its roots in the Old English personal name Mann, meaning “man”, coupled with the suffix -ing, which denotes “descendant of” or “son of”. Consequently, the name can be interpreted as son of Mann or descendant of Mann. Another possible derivation is from the Old English word manningas, signifying “the people of the manor”. In this context, Manning would be a locational surname, referring to any of the places named Manning, such as Manningford or Manningtree, that were associated with a manor or a small settlement. The dual nature of the name reflects both a personal lineage and a geographical association.
Early documentary evidence places the surname in the British Isles, particularly within England. The name appears in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where Henry Maninge of Cambridgeshire is listed as a land owner. Church registers from the diocese of Greater London record further instances: Johan, daughter of Launcelot Manning, was christened on the 14th of January 1564 at St. Mary Magdalene, and Katherine, daughter of William Mannings, was christened on the 6th of September 1570 at St. Mary Aldermary. The surname is also documented in the Pipe Rolls of Kent, dated 1190, where an individual named Ainulf Manning is recorded during the reign of King Richard I, known as “Lionheart”.
According to the Victorian etymologist Canon Charles Bardsley, who wrote in 1880, the surname has pre-7th century Norse Viking origins. He proposes that it derives from the Old Norse word maningi, translating as “valiant” or “strong”. While the precise influence of Norse on the name remains a matter of scholarly debate, the earliest recorded references support a long-standing presence in English society, predating significant Anglo-Saxon settlement of the period. This dual heritage illustrates the blending of linguistic influences that characterises many English surnames.
In addition to its historical and etymological significance, Manning has been borne by individuals notable in various fields. For instance, Thomas Manning (1772‑1840) is recognised as the first English scholar to enter Lhasa, the sacred city of Tibet, thereby marking a significant moment in European exploration of the Himalayas. Though records of other bearers are less extensive, the surname continues to be identified across England, particularly in counties such as Kent, Cambridgeshire and the greater London area. Its persistence in archival sources from the 12th century to modern times demonstrates the enduring nature of this English family name.
Typical given names associated with the Manning surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
- Mannin
- Manin
- Magnin
- Mainning
- Mahning
- Maining
- Mannina
- Maning
- Maningas
- Maningham
- Maningo
- Manings
- Manins
- Mannine
- Manningham
- Mannings
- Mannington
- Mannini
- Mannino
- Mannins
- Mauning
- Meaning
- Meening
- Mening
- Menning
- Menninger
- Minning
- Monning
- Munning
- Maennling
- Manington
- Manling
- Manni
- Mannig
- Manningfield
- Manring
- Mansing
- Meninger
- Mennin
- Mining
- Moenning
- Moning
- Mannering
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Manning in...
Braille
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Did you know?
According to a survey carried out by Democracy Club, politicians and candidates with the surname Manning are most likely to say that their favourite biscuit is a Custard Cream.
There are approximately 20,856 people named Manning in the UK. That makes it the 415th most common surname in Britain. Around 320 in a million people in Britain are named Manning.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Manning
- Chelsea Manning - United States Army soldier and whistleblower
- Bernard Manning - Comedian (1930 to 2007)
- Peyton Manning - American football quarterback
- Anita Manning - Scottish auctioneer
- Eli Manning - American football player, quarterback
- Olivia Manning - Novelist, writer (1908 to 1980)
- David Manning - Diplomat
- Katy Manning - Actress
- Matthew Manning - Author and Healer
- Darren Manning - Racing driver
- Henry Edward Manning - Roman Catholic archbishop and cardinal (1808 to 1892)
- Hugh Manning - Actor (1920 to 2004)
- Alan Manning - Economist
- Stuart Manning - Actor-model
- J. L. Manning - Journalist (1914 to 1974)
- Guy Manning - Guitarist
- Aubrey Manning - Zoologist, broadcaster (1930 to 2018)
- Brian Manning - Historian (1927 to 2004)
- Leah Manning - Politician, humanitarian, social activist (1886 to 1977)
- Paul Manning - Canadian police officer
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.