This surname was derived from the Old French word 'Ameline' an ancient and popular, although now forgotten personal name. The name was probably brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Following the Crusades in Europe in the 11th 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. Early records of the name mention Anchitil filius Ameline, listed as a tenant in the Domesday Book of 1086. John filius Emelyne of County Somerset, was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). Willelmus Emelyn of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. John Emelyn was the rector of Witchingham, County Norfolk in 1439. Edward, son of William Emblin was baptised at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in 1639. John Hobson and Emblen Hornett were married at Westminster, London in 1639. John, son of Isaac and Imblim Miller was baptised at St. Jame's, Clerkenwell, London in 1665. Since the dawn of civilisation the need to communicate has been a prime drive of all higher mankind. The more organised the social structure became, the more urgent the need to name places, objects and situations essential to the survival and existence of the social unit. From this common stem arose the requirements to identify families, tribes and individual members evolving into a pattern in evidence today. In the formation of this history, common usage of customs, trades, locations, patronymic and generic terms were often adopted as surnames. The demands of bureaucracy formally introduced by feudal lords in the 11th century, to define the boundaries and families within their fiefdoms, crystallized the need for personal identification and accountability, and surnames became in general use from this time onwards. The name has many variant spellings which include Embling, and Emblem.