Surname Embery - Meaning and Origin

Embery: What does the surname Embery mean?

Embery is a surname of Old French origin and it is a locational type of surname, meaning it is linked to a particular place. The name is derived from the Old French words 'ambre', which means amber, and 'iere', which translates to a place or region. Therefore, the surname Embery possibly signified a person living in an area where amber was found or a place characterized by its amber color. However, these meanings are speculative because specific meanings and origins can often be difficult to trace for many surnames. Over time and with shifts in borders, language, and culture, a family name like Embery may have developed multiple variants and interpretations. It should also be noted that this surname is quite rare, and thus less information may be available on its specific history or meaning. As with any surname, its significance would also be deeply intertwined with individual family histories.

Embery: Where does the name Embery come from?

The surname Embery is English in origin, with its roots in the Old English words "eomere" and "burg," meaning "antelope" and "fortress" respectively. It is a habitational name that comes from a place named with these words. It also might trace its roots to the village of Amberley in West Sussex, England.

Today, the surname Embery appears to be most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. There's also a noticeable presence of the Embery surname in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia due to the migration of people from the UK. But it is worth noting that despite its presence in these countries, it remains a relatively rare surname globally. However, the geographical distribution may vary greatly and there can be small clusters of people with the surname Embery in different parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Embery

The surname Embery is a variant of the original surname 'Emery,' which is of Anglo-Saxon origin derived from the Old German personal name 'Emmerich' or 'Amalric.' 'Emmerich' is a variant of 'Imre,' an ancient king's name in Hungary. 'Amalric' translates to work-power or home-power.

Various accepted spellings and variations include Emery, Embrey, Emberley, Emberey, Emburry, Emry, Emrey, Embrey, Emberly, Embery, Emmerich, Emrich, Imre, and Emerey. There is also Emerick, a version most commonly found in America, possibly as a result of German immigration. Over time, due to phonetic shifts, emigration, transcription errors, and other factors, these surnames have drifted further from their original form.

Surnames deriving from the same origin include Americh, Amerike, Amerik, and probably America as well. The use of prefixes like 'De', 'Di' or 'Du' with these surnames was common in the Middle Ages, so 'De Emery' or 'De Embery' might also be encountered, although these are rare.

Remember, the spelling of surnames was not standardized until the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, so variations are more common in older records.

Famous people with the name Embery

• Jean Embery: She is a well-known British actress, popularly known for her roles in TV series like "Mr. Palfrey of Westminster" (1984) and "Reilly: Ace of Spies" (1983).
• Steve Embery: Steve Embery is recognized for his work as an animator and illustrator in the film industry. His work includes notable movies like "The Princess and the Frog" (2009) and "Chicken Little" (2005).
• Anne Embery: She is a renowned visual artist in the U.K., best known for her textile art.
• Will Embery: Famous in the technology industry, Will Embery is a global leader at Skillstream, a well-known staffing and recruiting company.
• Mike Embery: A notable figure in sports, Mike Embery is a well-known Rugby Union Player hailing from the UK. It should be noted that although these individuals have achieved recognition within their respective fields, they may not be universally known as 'famous people.' The last name 'Embery' isn't as widespread as many other surnames and does not have many commonly recognized celebrities or public figures associated with it.

Other surnames

Emberson