Last Name Emeric

The surname Emeric is primarily of Hungarian and Slavic origin. It comes from the given name Emerich, which is a variant of the Germanic name Emmahard (composed of the elements 'emmo' meaning universe or universal, and 'hard' meaning hardy or brave). This name was introduced to Hungary by King Emeric, who ruled Hungary in the 12th century. The name later became a surname and spread throughout Europe. In some cases, it may also be of Greek origin, derived from the name Eumarchos, which means "good-ruler." However, this interpretation is less common compared to the Hungarian and Slavic origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Emeric

The meaning and origin of the last name Emeric

The surname Emery is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name Emaur, Amaury, or Amalric, which are variations of the Germanic name Amalrich. This name was composed of the elements "amal" meaning work or power and "rich" ruler or powerful. The surname Emery evolved as a nickname for a person who bore some resemblance to the bearer of the given name Amaury, possibly in physical appearance, character, or profession. Over time, the spelling of the name has been Anglicized into various forms including Emery, Emory, Amory, and Amy. The surname Emery is present in several countries, particularly in England, France, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Emeric

The surname Emeric has its origins rooted in Hungary and is most prevalent within that country, particularly in regions such as Transdanubia and Northern Great Plain, due to the historical presence of the Magyar people. However, it has also spread globally as a result of Hungarian migration. In North America, significant populations carrying the Emeric surname can be found in the United States and Canada, especially in cities with large Hungarian communities like New York City, Detroit, Toronto, and Vancouver. In Europe, aside from Hungary, countries like Austria, Germany, Sweden, and Norway also exhibit a presence of the Emeric family name. It's worth noting that surnames were nationalized in Hungary during the 20th century, which might have further influenced the geographical distribution of the Emeric last name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Emeric

The surname Emery, Emerick, Ermy, Ermey, and Ehmer are some of the variations and spellings of the last name Emeric. Emery is a popular variation, derived from the Norman French "Ermier" which meant "boar-herd." It's also associated with the Germanic personal name "Haimric," meaning "home ruler." Emerick is another variant, possibly resulting from phonetic spelling variations or misinterpretations over time. Ermy and Ermey are less common but could be alternative spellings of Emery. Ehmer may also be a variation, potentially originating from the Germanic name "Heimerich," meaning "home power" or "home ruler." These variations showcase how names can evolve over time due to factors such as linguistic changes, migration, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Emeric

Emeric is a surname that has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields and historical periods. One of the most prominent figures with this last name is Emeric Mendelsohn (1887-1953), a German-born architect who designed numerous buildings in Berlin during the 1920s before immigrating to England due to Nazi persecution. His modernist style significantly influenced British architecture.

In the world of entertainment, Emeric Pressburger (1902-1988) was a Hungarian-British screenwriter and film producer, best known for his collaborations with director Michael Powell on classic films such as "The Red Shoes" and "A Matter of Life and Death." In the realm of sports, Emeric Farkas (born 1962) is a Hungarian former swimmer who won multiple Olympic medals in the 1980s.

In the scientific community, Emeric D'Auvergne (1745-1835) was an English naturalist and antiquary who made significant contributions to the study of conchology (the study of shellfish). Lastly, Emeric Théophile Blery (1802-1869), a French lawyer and politician, served as the Minister of Justice during the Second French Empire under Napoleon III.

Genealogical research on the last name Emeric

The surname Emeric originates from the medieval given name Emerich, which is a variant of the Germanic name Hermann. This name comes from the elements 'heri' meaning army or armed force and 'man' meaning man, thus Hermann translates to "army of men." The name was popularized by Charlemagne's friend and courtier, Emerich of Rheinsberg.

In Hungary, the name became Érsek (meaning Bishop), due to its association with the Archbishopric of Esztergom, whose archbishops bore this title from the 10th century. Over time, the name was latinized to Archiepiscopus and later anglicized to Emeric.

The surname Emeric is most prominent in Hungary but can also be found among Eastern European immigrants in North America. Notable individuals with this last name include Hungarian-American inventor George de Mestral, who invented Velcro, and American football player Steve Emerich.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "emeric"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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