The Ames Family History

What Does the Ames Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Ames has its roots in the Old French and Middle English word Amice, as well as the Latin term amicus, both of which denote a friendly, beloved, or sociable individual. Variations of the surname include Amos, Ams, Aymes, Amis, Hames, Amess, Aimes, Emms, and Emes. In England, Ames is a prevalent surname, with notable concentrations found in London and the counties of Kent, Norfolk, Hampshire, Somerset, and Lancashire. In Scotland, the name is present in counties such as Perthshire, Fife, Midlothian, and Lanarkshire. In the United States, families bearing the Ames surname predominantly established themselves in states including Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Noteworthy individuals with the surname include Blanche Ames, an advocate for women’s suffrage, artist, and author; Ed Ames, a notable actor and singer; Red Ames, a former professional baseball player; William Thayer Ames, a composer; Dr. Ames, who was instrumental in founding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics; Adelbert Ames, a general who served in both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War; Les Ames, an accomplished cricket player from England; and Stephen Ames, a professional golfer from Canada.