Show ContentsAmp Surname History

In ancient Anglo Saxon England, the Amp 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 Amp family

The surname Amp 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 Amp family

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

Amp Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Amp have been found, including Impey, Impy, Impie and others.

Early Notables of the Amp family

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

Migration of the Amp family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Amp, or a variant listed above: 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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