emitt

Emitt is a given name and, less commonly, a surname. It is widely considered a variant spelling of Emmett, a name with English origins that has been used as a first name since the 19th century in English-speaking countries.

Origins and usage: The form Emitt shares the same linguistic heritage as Emmett, often described as a nickname-based name possibly derived from Old English emmet (meaning “ant”), though precise etymology is uncertain and varies by source. The spelling Emitt has appeared sporadically in the United States and elsewhere, reflecting common patterns of spelling variation in English personal names. Today, Emitt remains a relatively uncommon variant used primarily as a given name.

Notable people: Emitt Rhodes (1950–2006) was an American singer-songwriter and musician who gained prominence in the late 1960s. He released a self-titled solo album in 1970, in which he performed many of the instrumental parts himself. Rhodes is the best-known bearer of the given name Emitt, and the spelling variant continues to appear occasionally in contemporary usage.

See also: Emmett (name) and Emmet (given name).