Last Name Emery

The last name "Emery" has multiple possible origins. It is derived from both English and French sources. 1. English Origin: In England, the surname "Emery" originated as an occupational name. It comes from the Middle English word "emorye" or "emerye," which referred to a worker or tradesperson who specialized in working with emery, a type of abrasive mineral used for polishing or grinding. Thus, someone with the last name "Emery" might have had ancestors who worked as blacksmiths or metalworkers. 2. French Origin: "Emery" is also a French surname. In this case, it comes from the Old French personal name "Emeri" or "Ameri," which was derived from the Germanic name "Amalric" or "Amalrich," meaning "work-ruler" or "powerful worker." Over time, the name "Emeri" transformed into "Emery" as it was anglicized or carried over to English-speaking areas. It's important to note that individual family histories may vary, and the specific origin of the last name "Emery" for a particular individual or family would require further genealogical research.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Emery

The meaning and origin of the last name Emery

The surname Emery is of Norman French origin and is derived from the Old Germanic personal name "Emaurri", meaning "ruler or power". It was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and was subsequently anglicized to Emery. The name was originally bestowed as a given name to a child believed to possess strong leadership qualities or to someone who held a position of power. Over time, this personal name evolved into a hereditary surname, passed down from one generation to another. Emery has remained a relatively common surname in England and has spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada, through migration and emigration. Today, individuals with the surname Emery can be found in various professions and walks of life, continuing the legacy of their ancestral name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Emery

The last name Emery has a diverse geographical distribution around the world. It originated from Old Germanic and French origins. In France, the name Emery is recorded to be most concentrated in the northwestern regions, particularly in Normandy and Brittany. This is likely due to the influence of the Old French derivative of the name "Emmerich." In the United States, the name is fairly common, with a significant concentration in the northeastern states like Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. This can be attributed to the immigration of French and English settlers in the early years of American history. Additionally, the name Emery can be found in other English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, reflecting the historical migrations and settlements of people from different regions. Moreover, due to increased mobility and globalization, it is also possible to encounter individuals with the last name Emery in various other countries across the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Emery

The last name Emery has a few variations and spellings that have emerged over time. One variation commonly seen is Emory, which shares a similar pronunciation but with a slight change in spelling. Another spelling variation is Emeree, which phonetically represents the name but with an alternative arrangement of letters. The name may also be spelled Emry, emphasizing the simplified pronunciation while maintaining the essence of the original name. Additionally, there are less frequently used variations such as Emmeri or Emmery. These variations may stem from regional or cultural influences, as names can evolve differently in different parts of the world. Despite the slight differences in spelling, the various versions of Emery all retain a connection to the underlying family name, suggesting shared ancestry or historical roots.

Famous people with the last name Emery

There are several notable individuals who share the last name Emery, making their mark in various fields. In the world of music, Amy Lee Emery stands out as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the band Evanescence, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base with her powerful vocals and emotional songwriting. In the realm of sports, Paul Emery gained recognition for his achievements in motorsport, competing in the legendary Le Mans 24-hour race and contributing to the development of race cars. Additionally, Gary Emery made a name for himself in the art world, particularly in sculpture, through his innovative and thought-provoking creations. Finally, Dr. William H. Emery made significant contributions in the field of geography and remote sensing, pioneering research on ocean currents and their effects on climate. These individuals with the last name Emery have undoubtedly left their mark on their respective domains, earning admiration and recognition for their outstanding contributions.

Genealogical research on the last name Emery

The Emery surname has a rich genealogical history that can be traced back to medieval times. The name is of English origin and has its roots in the Old English word "æmerge," meaning "brave" or "chivalrous". Early records show that the Emery family was primarily found in the counties of Essex, Norfolk, and Sussex in England. One notable figure in the Emery genealogy is John Emery, who migrated to America in 1635 and settled in Newbury, Massachusetts. He became a prominent figure in the New England colonial society and played a crucial role in shaping the early history of the region. As time passed, the Emery name spread throughout the United States and became widely distributed. Today, individuals with the surname Emery can be found not only in the United States but also in various other countries, serving as a testament to the extensive branching of the family tree over generations.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Emery"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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