Show ContentsAmps History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Amps

What does the name Amps mean?

In ancient Anglo Saxon England, the Amps family lived in the area that was referred to as Impey in the county of Essex. This place-name was originally derived from the Old English word "imphaga" which denoted "an enclosure that housed young trees." In this case the original bearers most likely lived near an area where there were young trees or saplings. 1

Early Origins of the Amps family

The surname Amps was first found in Sussex where John atte Imphage was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. The same ancient English rolls also listed John de Impey in Suffolk. 1

"This name is or has been numerous in Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and Essex, in which last county stands Impey Hall." 2

Early History of the Amps family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Amps research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Amps History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Amps Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Amps include Impey, Impy, Impie and others.

Early Notables of the Amps family

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

Migration of the Amps family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Thomas Impey, who settled in the state of Maryland in 1740 with his wife, Alice.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.


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