Emery

/EM-er-ee/

Emery is a Germanic baby name pronounced /EM-er-ee/. The name Emery literally means 'brave power' or 'industrious ruler'.

Meaning of Emery

The name Emery literally means 'brave power' or 'industrious ruler'.

It is derived from the Old German name Amalric, which is composed of the elements 'amal', meaning work or labor, and 'ric', meaning power or ruler. The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the form Emeric, eventually evolving into the surname and given name Emery. It shares the same roots as the Italian name Amerigo, which is the source of the name for the Americas.

Origin
Germanic
Pronunciation
/EM-er-ee/

Cultural background

While historically a masculine name, Emery has seen a significant rise as a popular unisex name in North America over the last two decades.

Variations & nicknames

  • Emory
  • Emeric
  • Emmerich
  • Emmie
  • Amery
  • Imre

Famous people named Emery

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Emery Lord

    American author of young adult contemporary fiction

    Literature · 21st Century

  • Emery Lehman

    American Olympic speed skater

    Sport · Modern

  • Emery Moorehead

    Former professional American football tight end

    Sport · 1970s-1980s

  • Emery Barnes

    Canadian politician and professional football player

    Politics · 20th Century

  • Emery Walker

    English engraver, photographer, and printer

    Art · Late 19th-Early 20th Century

Frequently asked about Emery

Is Emery a boy or girl name?
Emery is a gender-neutral name used for both boys and girls, though it has recently trended more frequently for girls in the United States.
What is the difference between Emery and Emory?
Both are valid spellings of the same name. Emery is the more common spelling for girls, while Emory is frequently used for boys and is associated with Emory University.
Is Emery related to the word 'emery' used for nail files?
Yes, the word for the abrasive rock (emery board) comes from the Old French 'emery', but the personal name has a distinct Germanic etymological root ('Amalric').

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