AMOS
Amos is a surname of Hebraic origin, typically derived from the biblical name Amos, which means “burden” or “burden‑bearer”. The surname functions as a patronymic, identifying those who are descendants of an individual named Amos, and it bears the symbolic implication of carrying a burden or responsibility for the family line.
The name is also recorded in the East Anglian archives of the early twelfth century under the spelling Amis, pointing to a possible Old French origin. The French personal name or nickname Amis, from the Latin *amicus* meaning “friend”, was introduced into England by followers of William the Conqueror after the Norman invasion of 1066. Thus, two distinct lineages may converge under the same spelling: one Hebraic, one French.
In England the surname appears attached to Christian families in the British Isles, especially in England. Early parish registers include the christening of Charles, son of Thomas Amos, on 10 December 1659 in St Benet’s, Paul's Wharf, London, and the christening of George, son of George and Mary Amoss, on 23 July 1721 in St Olave’s, Southwark. The variety Amoss is likewise documented in the same period.
Heraldic records for the Amos family describe a coat of arms featuring a potent counter‑point in gules and argent, with a chevron or. The crest is represented by a square collegiate cap sable. According to the grant, the first recorded spelling of the family name in the Estate of an Abbey of Ely, Suffolk, dates from 1221 and is that of Robert Amis. This early mention places the family within the reign of King Henry II, known as “The Frenchman”, who ruled from 1216 to 1272.
Typical given names associated with the Amos surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Janet
- Joanne
- Linda
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Amos in...
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Did you know?
According to a survey carried out by Democracy Club, politicians and candidates with the surname Amos are most likely to say that their favourite biscuit is a Tim Tam.
There are approximately 9,777 people named Amos in the UK. That makes it the 952nd most common surname in Britain. Around 150 in a million people in Britain are named Amos.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Amos
- Valerie Amos, Baroness Amos - Diplomat
- Emma Amos - Actress
- Ben Amos - Football player
- Luke Amos - Football player
- Tori Amos - American singer-songwriter and pianist
- Hallam Amos - Welsh rugby union player
- Ruth Amos - Entrepreneur and inventor of the StairSteady
- Alan Amos - Politician
- Keith Amos - Football player
- Danny Amos - Football player
- Andrew Amos - Football player (1863 to 1931)
- Alf Amos - Football player (1893 to 1964)
- Carl Amos - Cricketer
- Linda Amos - Swimmer, Olympic athlete, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist
- Maurice Amos - Barrister and judge (1872 to 1940)
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.