[Facts] Re: Emelita (filipino name)
in reply to a message by (Is-rah-el) Israelle
It is not that unusual to find diminutives as official names in the Philippines (also native Tagalog diminutives are found), so I'd go for the Emily etymology.
Replies
I don’t think it came from Emily, but from Emilia. Emilia was used in Shakespeare’s play Othello in the 17th century, which proves the name was used during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines (1565-1898.) On the other hand, Emily only became common during the 18th century when the Hanovers took over England.
thank you