The name Emory has its origins in the Old French language, derived from the word "aimerie," which means "labor" or "work." It is believed to have emerged in the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century.

This name gained prominence in England during the Middle Ages, where it was often used as a surname for individuals whose occupation involved manual labor or skilled craftsmanship. Over time, the name transitioned from a occupational surname to a given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Emory can be found in the Domesday Book, a historical record commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions an individual named "Emery" residing in the county of Norfolk.

In the 14th century, a notable figure bearing the name Emory was Sir Emory Vinsauf, an English poet and scholar who authored several works on rhetoric and poetic composition. He lived from approximately 1235 to 1314.

During the Renaissance period, Emory Filmer (c. 1560-1647) was an English political theorist and writer who advocated for the divine right of kings and absolute monarchy. His works, such as "Patriarcha," had a significant influence on political thought during his time.

In the realm of religion, Emory Bogardus (1634-1679) was a Dutch Reformed minister who served as the second minister of the Reformed Dutch Church in New Amsterdam, now known as New York City.

Moving into the modern era, Emory Elliott (1942-2009) was an American literary critic and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Renaissance literature and literary theory.

It is worth noting that while the name Emory has its roots in Old French and English history, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and regions around the world, albeit with varying spellings and pronunciations.