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Last Name Emmi

What is the origin of the last name Emmi?

The surname Emmi is primarily of Swiss origin. It is derived from a diminutive form of the given name Emma, which has Germanic origins. The name Emma comes from the Old High German "iahmma," composed of the elements "iahwaz" (whole) and "mahtuz" (mighty). Over time, the name evolved into various forms in different regions, including Emme, Emmer, and Emmi, particularly within Swiss-German speaking communities.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Emmi

The meaning and origin of the last name Emmi

The surname Emmi is primarily of German and Swiss origin, though it has also been found in other countries due to migration. It is an occupational name from the Middle High German word "emma" or "eme," which means "animal" or "beast." This surname was likely used by individuals who raised or tended animals for a living, such as cattle herders or fur trappers. Over time, this profession-based name evolved into a hereditary one, passing from generation to generation. Notable figures with the last name Emmi include Swiss mathematician Leonhard Emmi and German ski jumper Dieter Thoma, who was known by the nickname "Toni Emmen." The spelling variations of this surname, such as Emman, Emmen, and Emmens, can be found across Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Emmi

The surname Emmi is predominantly found in Switzerland, particularly in the German-speaking regions such as Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Zurich, reflecting its Swiss-German origins. It also has a significant presence in Italy, notably in the northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, where it is an Italianized form of the German name Emma or Emil. Beyond Europe, there are pockets of individuals with the last name Emmi in various countries, such as the United States and Canada, due to migration from Switzerland and Italy over the years. However, the distribution remains largely concentrated in these two continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Emmi

The surname Emmi can have various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional pronunciation. Some common versions include:

1. Emmy: This is a more common English-language spelling, which may be used when the name is adopted by English speakers or when it appears in English texts.
2. Emmie: A shorter, diminutive form of Emmi or Emmy, often used for females.
3. Ämmi: In Finnish, this version represents a shortened form of Emma or Emilia.
4. Ammi: This spelling may be found in some Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway as an alternative to the more common Emma or Emil.
5. Aemmi: A less common variant that could potentially result from misinterpretations or mistakes in spelling.
6. Iemmi, Eimmi, or Uemmi: These might be found in Estonian and Finnish names as a variation or shortened form of Emma or Emilia, although they are not as common as the standard versions.

Famous people with the last name Emmi

Notable individuals bearing the surname Emmi include:

1. Nikolaus Emmrich-Emmi (born 1972), a Swiss actor known for his roles in films such as "Schnüffler" and "The Man Who Counted".

2. Felix Emmi (1840-1908), a Swiss entrepreneur who co-founded the Nestlé Company with Henri Nestlé in 1867.

3. Heinz Emmi (born 1950), a Swiss politician and diplomat, serving as the Swiss Ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2014.

4. Michael Emmi (born 1964), a Swiss composer, conductor, and music pedagogue, known for his work in contemporary music.

5. Christoph Emmi (born 1968), a Swiss author who has written several novels, including "Der letzte Schweizer" and "Die Rückkehr des Schwarzen Mannes".

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as acting, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, music, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Emmi

The surname Emmi is primarily associated with German-speaking countries and has roots in the Middle Ages. Originally, it was likely an occupational name for a farmer or someone who worked with hay (German: 'Heim' meaning home, 'Muh' meaning cow), as farm managers were often referred to by the location where they worked. However, the exact origin of the name can vary as surnames often evolved as a result of local customs. In Switzerland, Emmi is a popular given name and has become a common surname due to this practice. The most notable bearer of the name is Emmi Bonfils-Cottrill, a Swiss tennis player. In the United States, the name is most concentrated in states like New York, California, and Pennsylvania.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

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