Amphlett - Name

This unusual surname has two interrelated and equally interesting origins. The first of these is topographical from the Old English verb 'fleotan' to float or glide rapidly. From this came the Middle English 'fleot', a creek, stream or estuary. The placename fleet is found in Dorset, Hampshire, Kent and Lincolnshire. In its second form the name Fleet is a byname for a swift runner, from the Middle English 'flete'. The surname Amphle(t)t is a result of the fusing of the Middle English preposition 'on' and 'flete'. The name is found with some frequency in Worcestershire. One Robert Amflet was the Mayor of Lynn Regis, County Norfolk in 1516. Hannah, daughter of William and Elizabeth Amphlett was christened on June 8th 1645 at St. Andrew, Holborn, London. Sir Richard Paul Amphlett (1809 - 1883) was a judge, M.P. and author of legal books. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Agnes Anfleete, which was dated 1373, A Will, during the reign of King Edward 111, 'The Father of the Navy", 1327 - 1377. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.