The name Emmet has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "ama" meaning "labor" or "work." It emerged during the early medieval period, around the 7th to 10th centuries, and was likely used as a descriptive name for someone involved in strenuous or physical labor.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Emmet can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of a great survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The Domesday Book mentions an individual named "Emmet" who held lands in Gloucestershire, England.

In the 12th century, an English clergyman named Emmet served as a canon of the Diocese of Lincoln. His name is recorded in various ecclesiastical documents from that era, indicating the continued use of the name during the Middle Ages.

During the 13th century, a notable figure named Emmet de Rydal lived in the Lake District of England. He was a prominent landowner and is mentioned in several historical records related to property transactions and legal disputes of the time.

In the 16th century, a Dutch philosopher and theologian named Emmet van Veldhuizen gained recognition for his writings on Christian humanism. He was born in 1525 and died in 1592, leaving behind a significant body of work that influenced religious thought during the Reformation.

Another historically significant individual with the name Emmet was Emmet Dalton, an American outlaw and member of the infamous Dalton Gang. He was born in 1871 and participated in several high-profile train robberies in the late 19th century before being killed in a shootout with law enforcement in 1892.

Throughout history, the name Emmet has been used across various cultures and regions, though its origins can be traced back to the early English language and its connection to labor and physical work. While not as common as some other names, it has been carried by notable figures in fields ranging from religion and philosophy to outlawry and crime.