The name Emmie is a diminutive form of the feminine name Emma, which has its origins in the Germanic language. Emma is derived from the ancient Germanic word "erman," meaning whole or universal. The name Emmie likely emerged in the Middle Ages as a pet form or nickname for Emma.

In the Middle Ages, the name Emma was particularly popular among the Germanic people, including the Franks, Saxons, and Normans. It was later adopted by the English and other European cultures. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Emma dates back to the 11th century, when it was borne by Emma of Normandy, the queen consort of England from 1002 to 1016.

The name Emmie gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. One notable bearer of the name was Emmie Sewell (1846-1939), an American author and poet. Another was Emmie Conlon (1878-1962), an English actress and singer who performed in musical comedies and pantomimes.

In the early 20th century, Emmie Bulcroft (1890-1976) was a prominent British suffragette and activist for women's rights. She was involved in the Women's Social and Political Union and participated in several protests and demonstrations.

Another historical figure named Emmie was Emmie Barnes (1901-1976), an American businesswoman and author. She founded the Emmie Barnes Organization, which aimed to help homemakers organize their households and manage their time effectively.

In the world of sports, Emmie Studenny (1912-2007) was a Czech tennis player who won several national and international championships in the 1930s and 1940s.

While the name Emmie has its roots in the Germanic language and was particularly popular in the Middle Ages, it has since been embraced by various cultures and has been borne by notable individuals across different fields throughout history.