[3] The present name of the municipality, Manufahi, is derived from Maun Fahe, the Tetum language expression for 'divided brothers'.

The name originated in a legend that tells of a fight between two related tribes, or a group of siblings.

[4][5]: 67 During the Portuguese colonial era, the then district bore the name of its main town, Same.

[5]: 67  It is bordered by Manatuto to the east, Ainaro to the west, and Aileu to the north.

[6] During its time as a Portuguese colony, the municipality was called Same, after the capital city.