Derived from the Olde pre 7th century Anglo-Saxon 'Amalric', translating as 'work-rule' and originally a popular personal name. The name is recorded in Domesday Book for 1086, and was apparently, popular with the Normans (as Emauri), hence its survival into the present time. There are an estimated twenty two modern surnames all which owe their origin to 'Amalricus' and these include, Amery, Emery, Embury, Imbrey, Imery, Imrie, Hemery, Hembry etc. The name is also recorded in Scotland from 1513 as Ymery and later Imbrie. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Roger Hemeri which was dated 1182, The records of St. Mary, Clerkenwell, London during the reign of King Henry II, The Builder, 1154 - 1189 Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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