Amis is a medieval masculine given name, derived as a variant of Amice, which comes from Latin amicus meaning "friend." This name was used in Medieval England and France, reflecting the period's fondness for names emphasizing positive virtues like friendship. Amis is famously connected to the medieval French chanson de geste Amis and Amiles (also known as Ami et Amile), which recounts the story of two inseparable friends who make great sacrifices for one another, often cited as a paragon of loyalty. Etymology and Origins The name Amis stems directly from the Latin word amicus ("friend"), a common root for many medieval names. The masculine form Amis parallels the feminine Amice (from which it developed) and the related English name Amias. The choice of such a name would have expressed a parental hope for the child to be friendly and loyal. In medieval manuscripts, the name Amis appears both as a given name and, later, as a surname, as noted by its etymology in Old French. Historical and Literary Significance Amis is best known through the anonymous Old French poem Amis and Amiles (12th century). In this epic, Amis and Amiles are two knights who are so identical in appearance that no one can tell them apart. The story involves themes of brotherhood, betrayal, and self-sacrifice: Amiles goes to fight a judicial duel for Amis, and Amis offers to have his own children slain to cure Amiles’ leprosy. Although the tale is fictional, it was widely influential and cemented Amis as a name symbolizing devoted friendship. The name was also used in other literary works and genealogies, such as the medieval romance Ami et Amile and in records of French noble families. Usage as a Surname and Other Meanings Aside from a personal name, Amis is also a surname common in England and France, originating from the given name itself as a patronymic or nickname. Separate from this, the name "Amis" appears in Taiwan as an ethnonym for the Amis people, an indigenous group, and their language, from Proto-Austronesian *qamiS (“north wind”). However, these modern Taiwanese uses are linguistically unrelated to the medieval given name, except for spelling coincidence. Notable Bearers While the medieval name Amis was common, few specific historical figures of note have been recorded; its survival owes more to the literary tradition than to documented bearers of great deeds. In modern culture, the name is rarely used as a first name, although it occasionally appears as a surname, especially in regions with English heritage. Meaning: Friend Origin: Latin, via Old French Type: Given name (medieval); also surname Usage regions: Medieval England, Medieval France