Amity
Amity Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈæ.mɪ.ti/
Meaning of Amity: Amity is an English vocabulary name meaning “friendship” or “peaceful relations,” derived from Old French amitié and ultimately from Latin amicitia, the noun form of amicus (friend).
The word entered English in the 15th century in the diplomatic sense of friendly relations between states, and was used as a given name by Puritan families in England and New England from the 17th century onward, alongside other virtue names like Patience, Mercy, and Prudence.
Puritan naming practice favored abstract nouns expressing Christian virtues and ideals. Amity fit naturally into this pattern as an expression of brotherly love and peaceful community—values central to Puritan theology.
What Does Amity Mean? Origin & Etymology
The name appeared in colonial New England records and persisted in American naming use, though never reaching mainstream popularity. Several towns named Amity exist in the northeastern United States, reflecting the same Puritan naming tradition applied to place names.
Amity peaked in US SSA records around 2015, reflecting the broader trend of reviving Puritan virtue names alongside Faith, Hope, and Verity. It ranked outside the top 1000 throughout this period but showed consistent registration.
For parents seeking a virtue name with a warm, specific meaning—friendship rather than the more abstract faith or grace—Amity offers historical American roots and a clearly positive definition. Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
Numerology & Symbolism of Amity
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Amity – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Amity
What does Amity mean?
Amity comes from the English word meaning friendship, from Latin amicitia, from amicus (friend). As a virtue name, it expresses the ideal of peaceful, harmonious friendship between individuals and nations.
How popular is Amity?
Is Amity a girl or boy name?
Amity is used almost exclusively as a feminine name, following the tradition of abstract virtue names given predominantly to girls in English naming.