What is the origin of the last name Emery?

The last name Emery has its origin in France, deriving from the Old Germanic personal name Eberhard, meaning "wild boar" or "brave." It was initially introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century and later became anglicized as Emery. Over time, the surname spread to various English-speaking countries, including the United States, where it can now be found as a relatively common last name.

Countries of origin for the last name Emery

The last name Emery is derived from the given name Amalric, which was popular in medieval France. The name Amalric, derived from the Germanic name Amalricus, is composed of the elements “amal,” meaning “work,” and “ric,” meaning “ruler” or “power.” Over time, the name Amalric underwent various phonetic changes and evolved into different forms, one of which is Emery.

The surname Emery is of English origin and dates back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Old English personal name Emeric or Emery, which itself was a transliteration of the name Amalric. The name Emery was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname Emery was then formed by adding the patronymic ending “-s” or “-son” to the name, indicating “son of Emery.”

Emery has several variant spellings, including Emory, Emmery, and Emoryson. These variations arose over time due to different spellings, regional dialects, and the lack of standardized spelling in earlier centuries. The spelling variations are common, and individuals with the surname Emery can be found using different spellings in various historical records.

The surname Emery is relatively common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. This widespread distribution can be attributed to migration and settlement patterns over the centuries. Many individuals with the surname Emery can trace their ancestry to England, where the name originated, but there are also instances of individuals with non-English origins adopting the surname.

The meaning of the surname Emery is rooted in its original source, the name Amalric. The name conveys a sense of power and authority, referring to a ruler or someone with significant influence. However, it is important to note that the meaning of a surname can vary depending on the individual or family using it. Each family’s interpretation of their surname may be influenced by cultural, historical, and personal factors.

Researching the history and meaning of surnames like Emery provides insight into the interconnectedness of human identities, cultures, and migrations throughout history. Despite the wealth of information available, there are still gaps and uncertainties that remain. The study of last names continues to evolve as scholars uncover new information, and individuals uncover more about their own unique family histories.

Interesting facts about the last name Emery

  • The surname Emery originated from the pre-7th century French personal name “Emmeric,” derived from the Germanic name “Amalric,” which means “work-ruler” or “powerful in labor.”
  • Emery is a relatively common surname, with notable concentrations found in the United States, Canada, England, and Australia.
  • The English variation of the surname, Emery, derives from the Old English given name “Æmeric,” which shares the same Germanic root as the French version.
  • In medieval times, the name Emery was associated with knights and warriors, often indicating bravery and strength.
  • Emery is derived from the Latin word “aemulus,” which means “emulous” or “rival,” suggesting a competitive spirit or ambition within those holding the surname.
  • The surname Emery was frequently anglicized as “Emory” in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the southern states.
  • Emery is an occupational surname, indicating a link to the trade of a “miller.” The name was commonly given to those who operated grain mills during the Middle Ages.
  • In addition to its English and French variations, the surname Emery also has counterparts in other languages, such as “Amery” in Polish, “Emmerich” in German, and “Emerich” in Hungarian.
  • Notable individuals with the surname Emery include Eugene Emery Jr., an American journalist and author, and Marcel Emery, a Canadian advocate for cannabis legalization.
  • The coat of arms associated with the Emery surname features a shield divided into four quarters, each containing a different symbol, such as lions, a cross, or a wyvern.

Name Rank

#1365

There are around 25839 people with the last name Emery in the US

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