Amest History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Amest

What does the name Amest mean?

The name Amest is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when the family lived in the locality of Amherst, in the parish of Pembury in Kent.

Early Origins of the Amest family

The surname Amest was first found in Kent where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Amherst, in the parish of Pembury. They held a family seat, some say, about the time of the taking of the Domesday Book survey initiated by Duke William of Normandy in 1086, although this book does not show the record in the county of Kent. The pedigree is only traceable to the year 1400 but the Harleian manuscripts show the name to be seated at Amherst in the early 1200's and from this source Earl Amherst was shown to represent this ancient family seated at Amhurst (ancient spelling).

Early History of the Amest family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Amest research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1697, 1742, 1758 and 1760 are included under the topic Early Amest History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Amest Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Amest are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Amest include: Amherst, Amhirst, Amhearst and others.

Early Notables of the Amest family

More information is included under the topic Early Amest Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Amest family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Amest or a variant listed above: John Amhearst who landed in North America in 1700.

The Amest Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Victoriam concordia crescit
Motto Translation: Concord insures victory.