Emmatt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Emmatt

What does the name Emmatt mean?

Emmatt is a name that dates far back into the mists of early British history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is derived from the given name Emma. The surname Emmatt is one of the few names in England that derived their name from a female first name. In this case bearers of the surname were referred to as the son of Emma. 1 This surname also has origins in the place-name Emmett (Emmott), which was in Lancashire.

Early Origins of the Emmatt family

The surname Emmatt was first found in Lancashire near the village of Laneshawbridge, Colne.

Emmott Hall was a country house located there and possibly dates back to the 14th century. It is thought the family lived there possibly as early as the Norman Conquest. We do know that Christopher Emmott (died 1745), a successful London cloth merchant modernised the existing house in 1737 to give it a Georgian appearance and made several extensions. Upon his death, his nephew changed his name to Emmott in order to inherit the estate. In 1939, the hall was used as military barracks but was later left empty and had to be demolished in 1967.

Frequently seen in early records as a personal name, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: Emmote Kneyt, Buckinghamshire; and Emmete de Fur, Cambridgeshire. 1

One source goes back further claiming that the family was Norman in origin from Amiot or North Amiota of Normandy, 1195. The Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae also lists Robert and Roger Amiot 1198. 2

Early History of the Emmatt family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Emmatt research. Another 152 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1379 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Emmatt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Emmatt Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Emmatt are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Emmatt include: Emmett, Emmet, Emott, Emmitt, Emetts and others.

Early Notables of the Emmatt family

More information is included under the topic Early Emmatt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Emmatt family to Ireland

Some of the Emmatt family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Emmatt family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Emmatt or a variant listed above: John Emmett who landed in Virginia in 1654. Josias Emmett and his family purchased land in Barbados in 1663; and other Emmetts settled mainly in Pennsylvania over the next two hundred years..

Sources +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)