The surname Emich is of German origin. It is a variant of the name Emmerich, which is derived from the personal name Emerich or Emehard, composed of the elements "emi" (all) and "hard" (hardy, strong). This name was popularized by Saint Emeric, Duke of Austria in the 12th century.
Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to differences in transcription and translation, such as Emich, Emmerich, Imig, Emigh, and others. The migration and settlement of German-speaking peoples, particularly during the Middle Ages and later periods, has led to the dissemination of names like Emich throughout Europe and to other continents.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Emich
The meaning and origin of the last name Emich
The surname Emich originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German word "emi" which means home or estate, and "hoh" or "hof," meaning high or courtyard. Therefore, the name Emich could be translated as 'high home' or 'noble estate.' It was originally a locative name, denoting someone who lived at a particular place called Emichshof or a similar variation. The name became popular during the Middle Ages and has been carried by several notable figures in German history.
Geographical distribution of the last name Emich
The surname Emich is primarily found in German-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Germany, particularly in the southwestern states such as Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. Historically, the name originated from the region of Swabia, where it was used by knights who served under the count of Emmendingen. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Germany as well as neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein due to migration and historical events such as the Thirty Years' War. Outside of Europe, the Emich family immigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in the United States and Canada.
Variants and spellings of the last name Emich
The surname Emich, or its variants, can be found in various spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical periods. Some common variations of this name include:
These variations may be the result of minor spelling changes or regional adaptations over time. It is essential to note that these different spellings might lead to potential challenges when searching genealogical records, making it necessary to consider multiple versions while conducting research on this surname.
Famous people with the last name Emich
The Emich family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Hans Erich Emich (1893-1942), a German diplomat who worked for the Foreign Office and was a close associate of Joachim von Ribbentrop, Nazi Germany's foreign minister. However, Emich was executed by the Nazis after being convicted of high treason for his role in the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1942, known as Operation Valkyrie. In a different realm, Lotte Emich (1895-1966) was a renowned German actress who appeared in numerous films during the Weimar Republic and Nazi era. She later immigrated to the United States and continued her acting career there. Lastly, Peter Emich (born 1937), a German literary critic and essayist, has published extensively on contemporary literature and culture. He is a professor emeritus at Humboldt University in Berlin.
Genealogical research on the last name Emich
The surname Emich originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German "Emehha" meaning 'home-stead'. It was initially used as a topographic name for someone who lived at a home or farmstead marked by an ash tree. The family can be traced back to the 13th century in various regions of Germany, with prominent branches in Hesse and Baden-Württemberg. Notable figures bearing the Emich surname include Konrad III, Count of Diez (died 1202), a medieval German nobleman and member of the House of Nassau, and Otto von Emich (1876-1945), a prominent Nazi official during World War II. The Emich family immigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in Texas, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
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