Show ContentsEmberlie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Emberlie

What does the name Emberlie mean?

Emberlie is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a leader or ruler. The surname Emberlie originally derived from the Old English word Amalric which referred to someone who held great power. The surname Emberlie 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 Emberlie family

The surname Emberlie 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 Emberlie family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Emberlie 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 Emberlie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Emberlie Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Emberlie were recorded, including Emberley, Emerle, Emerly, Emberly, Emilly and others.

Early Notables of the Emberlie family

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

Migration of the Emberlie family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Emberlie family emigrate to 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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