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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