Emily derives from the Latin Aemilia, a root often linked to rivalry or striving, though over centuries of use the name has drifted toward suggesting industriousness more than competition. It's commonly read as describing someone diligent and quietly determined, with effort as the throughline rather than conflict.
In men's nativities, if the part of marriage shall fall in signs obedient; and in women's in signs imperant, the woman shall rule the man, and the man shall obey; sin autem contra, dic contrai. - William Lilly (1602.-1681.)