Show ContentsEmilley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Emilley

What does the name Emilley mean?

The Anglo-Saxon name Emilley comes from its first bearer, who was a leader or ruler. The surname Emilley originally derived from the Old English word Amalric which referred to someone who held great power. The surname Emilley was part of a broad and miscellaneous class of surnames. Nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.

Early Origins of the Emilley family

The surname Emilley was first found in the West Riding of Yorkshire where John de Emlay was listed in 1304. 1 Today Emley or Elmley is a parish, in the Upper and Lower divisions of the wapentake of Agbrigg in Yorkshire. 2

Early History of the Emilley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Emilley research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1600, 1617, 1640, 1649, 1657 and 1691 are included under the topic Early Emilley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Emilley Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Emilley has been spelled many different ways, including Emberley, Emerle, Emerly, Emberly, Emilly and others.

Early Notables of the Emilley family

Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Emilley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Emilley family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Emilleys to arrive in North America: James Emilly who settled in Charleston in 1832; Michael Emberley settled in St. Christopher in 1685.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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