Surname Embury - Meaning and Origin

Embury: What does the surname Embury mean?

The last name Embury is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the geographical location of 'Imber,' a parish situated in the county of Wiltshire, England. The name 'Imber' embodies the Old English words 'emere,' which means 'emmer' (a type of wheat), and ‘burg, burh’ denoting 'a fortified place.' So, Embury could be interpreted as 'the fortified place where emmer is grown.' Families or individuals were often named after the locations they inhabited or originated from during the Middle Ages, which explains the transition of 'Imber' to 'Embury' when members of the family migrated to other regions. In the broader sense, it carries an association with agriculture, fortification, and settlement. Like many other English surnames, variations in the spelling of Embury can include Ember, Imber, Emburey, and Embery. The surname is quite rare and has a higher prevalence in England, specifically in areas like Devon.

Embury: Where does the name Embury come from?

The surname Embury is of English origin. It is an anglicized form of the Old French "Emberi", which is a locational name that referred to individuals from the place called Ambray in France. It is believed the surname migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The earliest recorded mention of the name is in Worcestershire, England in the 13th century.

This surname is not very common today and can be found in moderate amounts throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States, Canada, and England. To a lesser extent, the surname can also be found in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. It is worth noting that the surname may exist as both a first name and a last name, and in several different spellings such as Emburey, Emberry, and Embury. Despite having roots in France, the surname is not common in that country today. Over the centuries, family migration, Anglicization, and cultural assimilation have likely contributed to the dispersion and evolution of the surname Embury.

Variations of the surname Embury

The surname Embury can also be spelled as Embery, Emburry, Embrey, Embury, Emberey, Emberley, and Emberly. These variations are likely derived from the same origin and might have been altered over time due to regional dialects, literacy levels, or clerical errors.

The surname appears to have an English origin, probably from a geographic location. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the Anglo-Saxon personal name Eanbeorht, meaning 'bright with glory'. Another potential source is the place name Ambury, found in Hampshire, which might have been anglicized to Embury over time.

As for its variants, they may have been influenced by local dialects leading to a shift in vowels or consonants, such as Embery in Somerset or Emberey in Dorset. Some variants like Emberley or Emberly could have been influenced by additional elements like the suffix "-ley" or "-ly", used to indicate 'clearing or meadow'. The exact development and origin of the surname's variants, however, are likely complex and not definitely known.

Famous people with the name Embury

• David Embury: Noted American author of one of the most influential cocktail books ‘The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks.’
• Emma Catherine Embury: A well-known American author and poet of the 19th century. Embury wrote short stories, novels, and poems that were widely appreciated during her era.
• Patrick M. Embury: A famous doctor that rose to distinction in the field of hematology.
• Phillip Embury: A prominent Methodist preacher who was instrumental in spreading Methodism in America during the 18th century.
• Edward W. Embury: A renowned architect who designed many buildings throughout New York. Please note that fame is subjective and these personalities may not be universally recognized.

Other surnames

Emburey