Embry

The surname Embry has its origins in England, dating back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Old French word "embrier," meaning "to embrace" or "to envelop." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to a person's occupation or role, perhaps someone who worked with fabrics or clothing.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Embry appears in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1195, where a person named William Embry is mentioned. These rolls were financial records maintained by the English Exchequer, indicating that the name was already established by the late 12th century.

In the 13th century, the surname Embry can be found in various records, such as the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1273, which lists a Robert Embry. During this period, the name was often spelled as "Embury" or "Emebury," reflecting the variations in spelling common in medieval times.

The Embry surname has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the earliest was Sir Richard Embry, a member of the English gentry who lived in the 14th century. He was a landowner in Warwickshire and served as a knight during the reign of Edward III.

In the 16th century, the name appears in church records, such as the baptismal register of St. Mary's Church in Olney, Buckinghamshire, where a child named John Embry was baptized in 1564.

During the English Civil War in the 17th century, a man named Thomas Embry fought on the Parliamentarian side against King Charles I. He was a captain in the New Model Army and participated in several battles, including the decisive Battle of Naseby in 1645.

Another notable figure was Sir John Embry, a prominent merchant and politician who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He served as a Member of Parliament for the borough of Southwark and was involved in trade with the British colonies in North America.

In the 19th century, a botanist named Mary Embry (1823-1901) made significant contributions to the study of plant life in the American West. She was one of the first female botanists to explore regions like Utah and Nevada, collecting and documenting numerous plant specimens.

The Embry surname has also been associated with several places in England, such as Embry Hill in Worcestershire and Embry Farm in Oxfordshire. These place names may have influenced the spelling and pronunciation of the surname over time.

While the origins of the Embry surname can be traced back to medieval England, it has since spread to various parts of the world, including North America and Australia, through migration and immigration patterns.