Find out how popular the first name Emmit has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Emmit by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Emmit is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 44 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Emmit.

The history of the first name Emmit

The name Emmit is derived from the Old English name Emmett, which is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Emma. The name Emma is thought to have originated from the Germanic word "eman," meaning "universal" or "entire."

Emmit is believed to have been first used as a given name in the early medieval period in England and other parts of the British Isles. It was often used as a shortened version of the name Emmett, which was quite popular during that time.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Emmit can be found in the Domesday Book, a historical record commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions several individuals with the name Emmit, suggesting that the name was in use in England during the 11th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Emmit. One of the earliest was Emmit of Beverley, a 12th-century English saint and bishop of Beverley. He is believed to have lived from around 1100 to 1170.

Another historical figure with the name Emmit was Emmit King, an American jazz saxophonist and bandleader who was born in 1923 and died in 1992. He was known for his innovative style and contributions to the bebop genre.

Emmit Peters (1915-1992) was an American baseball player who played in the Negro Leagues and the Major Leagues. He was known for his speed and defensive skills as an outfielder.

Emmit Smith (born in 1969) is a former American football player who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL). He is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Emmit Gowin (born in 1941) is an American photographer known for his large-format landscape and environmental portraits. He has had a significant influence on contemporary photography and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

While the name Emmit has its roots in Old English and has been used throughout history, it has remained a relatively uncommon name in modern times. However, its unique sound and historical significance have contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Emmit was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Emmit, please contact us.

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