Monday, November 8, 2010

What's in a name

Many have asked how we came up with the name Emmett.

Quite simply we had a rotating list of names. If we heard something cool, we’d tell the other about it If we both liked it, we threw it on the hit list.

Many fell off, few stuck.

We did not want a common name.

It had to be easily spoken in both languages.

We wanted it to be unique and classy.

It had to fit and feel right.

We liked it, it fit.
We of course researched the names on our list and for the fun of it, here is a little background on the name.

Emmett is considered an English name however with German roots. A male version of the name Emma which stems from a short form of any name starting with “Em” or “Erm”.

The Irish tend to give this name in honor of Roger Emmet, the Irish patriot who tried to overthrow the English government with French help.

Meaning of the name: All containing, Universal, Strength, diligent

Also old English for “an ant”

Old German for energetic & powerful

The name has never been highly popular. Its highest rank between 1890 and 1900 was 139 and was used 0.095% of the time.

The name also does not pop up often in popular culture however some characters that may be known are:







“Doc” Emmett brown - Back to the Future

Emmett Otter’s Jugband Christamas – Title Character in the 1970’s Christmas film.


Emmett Cullen – twighlight saga

And a few Famous Emmett’s:

Emmett Smith – NFL player Dallas Cowboys




Emmett Till – African American youth whose death lead to key events in the civil rights movement.





M. Emmett Walsh – actor







Emmett Kelly: A native of Sedan, Kansas and American circus performer, who created the memorable clown figure "Weary Willie, " based on the hobos of the Depression era.
There is even an Emmett county in Michigan and an Emmett, Idaho.

How will our Emmett turn out?
Only time will tell :-)




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