Surname Amiss - Meaning and Origin

Amiss: What does the surname Amiss mean?

The last name Amiss originated from the Middle English phrase “amis,” meaning “unfortunate or unlucky.” This name was given as a surname to individuals who had experienced misfortunes or who were thought to be in some way cursed. This was thought to be a sign of one’s character and was meant to reflect the individual’s role or status in society. As such, the name Amiss has a rich and meaningful history.

The most common interpretation of the name Amiss is that it originated from the old-English word “amis,” which meant “friend.” This literal interpretation implies that the first bearer of the name was an unlucky or unpopular person with few friends. However, this interpretation has been superseded by the more modern interpretation of the name as meaning "unfortunate” or “unlucky.”

The current interpretation suggests that the name was given in order to mark an individual as beset by misfortune or cursed. In some cases, an individual bearing the name might have been ostracized or regarded as untrustworthy in society. In other cases, the name might even have been an official epithet of judgement, given to an individual who had seriously transgressed against the cultural norms and traditions of their community.

The name Amiss is unique in that its meaning has evolved over time, with each generation of its bearers developing a new understanding of its original meaning. Despite its unfortunate origins, the name is still borne today in many cultures and countries, testament to its resilience and ongoing relevance in the 21st century.

Amiss: Where does the name Amiss come from?

The last name Amiss is most common in a few countries today, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Specifically, the surname Amiss is most prevalent in the U.S. states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

In the United States, Amiss is the 1,725th most common last name, appearing in about 0.004% of all U.S. households. The surname can also be found in the United Kingdom and Canada.

In the UK, Amiss is most prevalent in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and South West England. In Canada, it is most common in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.

Overall, there may be upwards of 10,000 people with the Amiss surname in the world today. Given its English origins, it is likely that the majority of people with this name are of English or British descent.

Variations of the surname Amiss

The surname Amiss is an English and Irish surname originating in the pre-modern period but also found in other countries outside of England and Ireland. It most likely originated from the Old French personal name Ameis (or Ameys) which originally meant 'beloved'.

Variant spellings include Amey, Aimis, Ameiss, Aimiss, Ameys, Aimys, Amice, Amis, Amisse, Amissey, Amys, and Emes.

In England, the name is especially associated with East Anglia, especially Norfolk. There is evidence that the name was also Common in parts of Ireland such as County Donegal and County Down although this may have been as a result of migration from England.

In Ireland, there is evidence that Amiss families have been incorporating Gaelic spelling for hundreds of years. Examples of this include Amhlaoibh, O'Ameese, O'Amiss, O'meise, O'meish, and O'meys.

The name has also spread to regions outside of England and Ireland, particularly the United States, where it is found in states such as Indiana, Michigan, and Massachusetts. Examples of spellings of the name in the US include Amess, Ameise, and Aymiss.

Regardless of the spelling, all deriving from Amiss, this name is likely to have one core origin, likely from a nickname meaning 'beloved'.

Famous people with the name Amiss

• William Amiss: English cricketer, who played 6 Tests for England in 1956.
• Sheila Amiss: English actress, best known for her appearance on the British sitcom All Gas and Gaiters.
• Joe Amiss: known for being the founder and creator of the Shrewsbury folk festival.
• Arthur Amiss: Former English professional footballer who made almost 200 appearances in the English football league.
• Katie Amiss: Wife of Joe Amiss and former radio DJ in Telford. 6 .Stuart Amiss: Former Welsh professional footballer who captained Cardiff City.
• Merle Amiss: Major League Baseball player who played for seven seasons.
• Cliff Amiss: Former English footballer who played professionally in the 1950s.
• Clarence Amiss: American professional golfer and golf course designer
• Braidy Amiss: American BMX rider.

Other surnames

AmisAmison