Emanuel

Emanuel is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It derives from the biblical Immanuel (also rendered Emanuel or Immanuel in various languages), meaning “God with us” or “God is with us.” The form Emmanuel is common in French and some other languages, while Emanuel and Immanuel are used in German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and English-speaking contexts. The name appears in religious texts and has been adopted widely across Christian and secular communities.

In religious and cultural usage, Immanuel appears as a symbolic name in the Hebrew Bible. In Christian tradition, the Gospel of Matthew references the prophecy of Immanuel in connection with Jesus, reinforcing the name’s association with divine presence. As a given name, Emanuel has been popular in many countries and has produced numerous variants in spelling and pronunciation.

Notable individuals with the given name include Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772), a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and mystic who founded a spiritual movement; Emanuel Lasker (1868–1941), a German chess world champion and mathematician; and Emanuel Ax (born 1949), a Polish-born American pianist renowned for his performances and recordings. The name remains in use today across diverse cultures, sometimes reflecting national or linguistic preferences in spelling.

Related forms and variants include Immanuel and Emmanuel. The name continues to appear in literature, film, and public life, often indicating cultural or religious heritage, as well as personal identity.