1) The Latin family [gens] name -- Aemilius -- comes from the Latin word "aemulus", meaning "imitating, rivaling" [source: www.etymonline.com] -- So this "rival" challenges the opponent by first trying to imitate and EMULATE. 2) "Emily" comes "from the Latin word meaning 'industrious'” [source: Dictionary.com < Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2006] -- So, after imitating/emulating, the "rival" then works hard to supercede their opponent = working to gain the upper hand by being "industrious". 3) It's interesting to note that there is a major region in Italy called Emilia-Romagna (it was the destination of a major road from Rome heading North called the "via Emilia," because it was built by the Aemilius family living in that region -- see also Wikipedia's citiation for the town, "Reggio Emilia".]) It just so happens to be the "second richest region" in Italy (according to Wikipedia), proving that the name still inspires people to be successfully industrious! 4) Under the name "Emily," you also may want to note that it has been the most popular girls name in the US for well over 10 years now.
― Anonymous User 1/15/2007
3
Emily does indeed mean 'industrious,' as it is derived from Emil of the same meaning.
― Anonymous User 8/28/2006
0
Symbolically meaning "The one who's dangerous, rival".