Surname Amos - Meaning and Origin

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Z. Amos

Amos: What does the surname Amos mean?

Amos is a traditional surname and given name that derives from Hebrew origin. The name literally translates to "borne by God" or "carried by God". It is often associated with a strong spiritual lineage reflecting the name's biblical roots. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Amos was one of the twelve minor prophets, known for his strong stance against social injustice and for advocating for the moral responsibility of individuals. As a surname, Amos can be found across many cultures with various spellings, including English, German, and Hungarian roots. Over generations, it has transcended its original biblical context to become a common name in many societies. Therefore, the use of the name does not necessarily imply religious devotion. Notably, the name Amos often symbolizes strength, firmness, and courage which aligns with its biblical origin and historical context.

Amos: Where does the name Amos come from?

The surname Amos has Hebrew origins and is derived from the prophet Amos's name mentioned in the Old Testament. Amos in Hebrew means "borne by God." The name was adopted as a Christian name after the Protestant Reformation and has been commonly used in English-speaking countries.

It's common for Jewish names to be transformed into surnames over the centuries, and Amos is no exception. Jewish people were often forced to adopt surnames for administrative purposes in many European countries, leading to the usage of biblical names.

Today, the surname Amos is common in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa, and among Jewish communities, demonstrating its wide diaspora and relevance among different cultures and nations. It is both a surname and a given name. Notable people with the name include Tori Amos, an American singer-songwriter and pianist, and Wally Amos, an American TV personality and the founder of the "Famous Amos" chocolate chip cookie brand.

Variations of the surname Amos

The surname Amos, commonly believed to be of Biblical origin, has many alternate spellings, and surname variants. Some of these include Ames, Amoss, Amoz, Aimoz, Hames, and Haims among others. In certain cultures, modifiers have been added to form surnames like Amosson or Amosov. In countries where surname suffixes designate family relationships, variations like Amosson (son of Amos) could be found.

Regional differences have also created variations on the Amos surname. For instance, in Germany and parts of Europe, it can appear as Ammann, Ams, or Amts. Likewise, in the Eastern Europe and Russia, it may become Amosov or Amosova. In France, a common variation is Amiot or Amiotte.

Diversity in language and pronunciation has influenced the evolution of the Amos surname over time. Hence, it is important to note that surname variants can also potentially signify different family lines. Each separate variant of the same name may reflect a different branch or translation from the original surname, associated with unique familial heritage, ancestral lineage, or migration pathways.

Please remember to consult genealogical resources for specific family history when tracking the history and variants of the surname Amos.

Famous people with the name Amos

• Tori Amos: An American singer-songwriter and pianist. She is a classically trained musician with a mezzo-soprano vocal range.
• John Amos: An American actor known for his roles in popular television shows like "Good Times" and "Roots".
• Wally Amos: Founder of the "Famous Amos" chocolate chip cookie brand. He is also an author and television personality.
• Shawn Amos: An American songwriter and blues musician, son of Wally Amos.
• Jayson Amos: An American tennis player.
• Tim Amos: An English judiciary, who served as a Senior Judge of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
• Shola Amoo: A British filmmaker, known for his films like "A Moving Image" and "The Last Tree".
• Clarissa Ward, born Clarissa Amos: A journalist and correspondent for CNN.
• Jess Amos: An actress known for "The Deep Below" and "Hidden Secrets".
• Lucinda Amos: A dancer and actress, known for "Romeo + Juliet", "Moulin Rouge!", and "De-Lovely".
• Dennis Amos: A former professional football player from England.
• Daniel Amos: An American musician and songwriter, and member of the Daniel Amos band.

Other surnames

AmonAmoorAmootyAmorAmorimAmorosoAmoryAmoseAmosonAmossAmossonAmox