Surname Amidon - Meaning and Origin
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Amidon: What does the surname Amidon mean?
The surname Amidon is of French origin and derives from the word "amidon" which translates to "starch" in English. This suggests that the earliest generations of people bearing this surname were likely involved in the production or selling of starch. Traditionally, surnames were often given based on a person's occupation, and so individuals with the Amidon last name likely had a connection to starch-producing industries in some way. It should be remembered that family names can have several origins and the meaning can vary based on geographical location and historical context. Therefore, the exact connotation of the surname Amidon may differ amongst different families.
Order DNA origin analysisAmidon: Where does the name Amidon come from?
Amidon is a surname of French origin, derived from the Old French word "amidon", which means starch. It was initially used as a nickname or occupation name for someone who produced or sold starch, used in laundering clothes in early times.
Despite its French roots, Amidon is now more commonly found in the United States especially in the northeastern part of the country, particularly New England. It is relatively rare, and not as common in France or other French-speaking countries. This could be due to Huguenot immigration in the 17th and 18th centuries, when Protestants from France migrated to various countries, including the United States, to escape religious persecution.
An alternate theory is that the name may be derived from the place called Amaydon (now Hemington) near Bath in England, where some of the early bearers of the name likely lived.
Today, members of the Amidon family can also be found in other English-speaking countries like Canada, as well as other parts of the world, but the highest concentration remains in the United States.
Variations of the surname Amidon
The surname Amidon doesn't appear to have numerous direct variants, as it is quite unique. However, it may possibly be connected to different spellings or interpretations based on its etymology. Amidon is of English origin and derives from a medieval occupational term for a worker in flour or starch, derived from the term "amylum", meaning starch in Latin.
Depending on geographical location and historical language variation, related surnames could include surnames that denote similar occupations like Miller (someone who works with grain/flour). However, these are not direct variants of Amidon, but rather broad relations based on the occupational nature of the original surname.
Also, phonetic spellings or other slight variations of Amidon could exist such as Amadon, Amidin or Amiden, influenced by local pronunciation or misspellings over time. There could be surname variants based on marriages, where Amidon might be hyphenated or joined with another surname.
It's important to note, however, that such variations are speculative without historical or database records. Genealogical research would likely provide the most accurate and detailed information on surname variants of Amidon.
Famous people with the name Amidon
- Sam Amidon: An American folk and indie rock singer-songselfwriter, best known for his unconventional renditions of traditional American ballads and hymns.
- John W. Amidon: A prominent American politician who served as a New York State Assemblyman from 1911 to 1912.
- Richard Amidon: An American veteran and peace activist known for his work with Veterans for Peace.
- Benjamin Amidon: An American architect who contributed to the neoclassical architectural movement in the early 20th century.
- Anne Cogswell Amidon: A descendant of the notable Cogswell family from Ipswich, Massachusetts, and known for founding the Lowell Offering, a magazine written by and for the women mill workers of Lowell, Massachusetts during the 19th century. While they may not all be globally recognized, each of these individuals with the last name Amidon has made a significant contribution to their respective fields.