YourRoots Logo
Sign up free
banner

Sign up to explore more

Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

Sign up free
Extended search

Ames Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Ames Surname

The surname Ames is steeped in a rich tapestry of origins, often traced back to French, English, and German roots. In French, it derives from "amie," signifying a friend or beloved, while its English lineage connects to the Old French and Middle English personal names Amys or Amice, stemming from the Latin "amicus." The Germanic origins of Ames suggest it may have arisen from "amazzig," meaning "busy," or even from "Ameise," meaning "ant," possibly as a nickname for a diligent individual. Such diverse linguistic backgrounds highlight the multifaceted history of the Ames name, making it a fascinating subject for those exploring their family history through the Ames family tree.

Over time, the Ames surname evolved, with variations such as Aames, Amass, Amess, Amies, Amis, Amiss, Amos, Hames, Haymes, and Eames appearing in different regions. Its spread is indicative of cultural and geographic movement, reflecting shifts in population and societal changes. The Ames family became particularly notable in the United States, where the name is associated with an old and distinguished lineage. This expansion underscores the importance of Ames genealogy in understanding the broader historical narrative of family migration and settlement patterns.

YourRoots dataset provides valuable insights that complement existing knowledge about the Ames surname. It confirms the consistent presence of the Ames family in various regions, aligning with historical records that trace its spread from its European origins. The dataset enriches our understanding by illustrating how the Ames name maintained its prominence through the centuries, providing a deeper context for researchers delving into Ames records and family histories.

For genealogy enthusiasts and family-tree researchers, the YourRoots data offers a crucial resource in unearthing the intricate web of connections that define the Ames lineage. This data not only corroborates historical findings but also opens new avenues for exploring familial ties and uncovering hidden stories within the Ames family tree.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Ames Family Tree

Search more Ames trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Ames for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Ames Family Lineage

Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Ames surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.

As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.

Famous People with Ames (and Their Family Tree)

August Ames

August Ames

August Ames, born Mercedes Grabowski, was a prominent Canadian pornographic actress known for her significant contributions to the adult film industry. She began her career at 19 and appeared in over 100 films, earning multiple AVN Award nominations, including Female Performer of the Year. Ames also received accolades like the 2014 Miss FreeOnes Best Newcomer and the 2016 Twistys Treat of the Year. Her career was notable not only for the volume of work but also for her versatility, including a role in the non-pornographic film "Model for Murder: The Centerfold Killer" in 2016.

Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Ames grew up in a military family with both parents serving in the army. Her early years were marked by a challenging family environment. Ames alleged abuse by her paternal grandfather and faced disbelief from her father, leading to her placement in a group home at age 12. These experiences influenced her later life and career.

Aldrich Ames

Aldrich Ames

Aldrich Hazen Ames, born on May 26, 1941, is a former CIA counterintelligence officer notorious for his espionage activities for the Soviet Union and Russia. Convicted in 1994, Ames is serving a life sentence without parole. His career at the CIA included assignments in Turkey and New York, where he managed Soviet assets. Despite early success in recruiting spies, his career was marred by serious alcohol-related issues and security violations, such as leaving classified materials on a subway. Ames is noted for compromising more CIA assets than any officer until Robert Hanssen's arrest in 2001.

Aldrich Ames was born in River Falls, Wisconsin, to Carleton Cecil Ames, a CIA operative, and Rachel Ames, a high school English teacher. As the eldest of three children, Ames experienced an early life influenced by his father's CIA career, which included a significant move to Southeast Asia in 1953. His father’s career was later hindered by alcoholism, affecting his performance at the CIA.

Ed Ames

Ed Ames

Ed Ames, born Edmund Dantes Urick, was an acclaimed American pop singer and actor known for his role as Mingo in the TV series "Daniel Boone." As part of the Ames Brothers, he achieved musical success with hits like "My Cup Runneth Over" and "Time, Time" during the 1960s. Ames' acting career included notable performances in "The Crucible" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." His memorable appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" showcased his tomahawk throwing skills, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Ed Ames was born in Malden, Massachusetts, to Jewish parents Sarah (Zaslavskaya) and David Urick, who emigrated from Ukraine. He was the youngest of nine children in a family that valued education and music, fostering Ames' early interest in singing and performing.

Leon Ames

Leon Ames

Leon Ames, born Harry Leon Wycoff, was a celebrated American film and television actor known for his roles in iconic films like "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944) and "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946). He portrayed memorable father figures in classics such as "Little Women" (1949) and "On Moonlight Bay" (1951). Ames was also a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and its president in 1957, contributing significantly to the film industry. His television work included "Bewitched" and "Mister Ed," further establishing his versatile acting career.

Leon Ames was born to Charles Elmer Wycoff and Cora Alice DeMoss in Portland, Indiana, on January 20, 1902. His mother's maiden name, Ames, became his professional surname. In 1910, the family lived in Fowler, Indiana, where his father managed a meat market. Ames' early life included service in the U.S. Army during World War I, providing a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

Rachel Ames

Rachel Ames

Rachel Ames, born Rachel Kay Foulger, is a revered American actress best known for her iconic role as Audrey Hardy on the ABC Daytime soap opera "General Hospital," which she played from 1964 to 2007 and returned for appearances until 2015. Her portrayal earned her three Daytime Emmy Award nominations and the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Ames also appeared on the spin-off "Port Charles" and had an extensive career in theater and film, including performances in "When Worlds Collide" and "Ricochet Romance."

Rachel Ames was born in Portland, Oregon, to actress Dorothy Adams and actor Byron Foulger. She is of English descent, tracing back to Norfolk immigrants who settled in Salt Lake City. The family moved to California for her parents' careers at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Ames Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Ames" has French, English, and German origins. It may derive from the French word "amie" meaning friend or beloved, or from the Old French and Middle English personal names Amys or Amice. In German, it could originate from "amazzig," meaning "busy," or relate to the modern German word "Ameise," meaning "ant." The Ames family is recognized as an old and notable family in the United States.

VIEW MORE

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Ames

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Ames family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Ames surname to learn more.

VIEW MORE

About YourRoots

Family Tree Map

Explore your family tree geographically

Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.

Powerful tools like “Trace Back To Me” instantly map your family’s migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.

LEARN MORE
AI Genealogy Research

Discover ancestors beyond “end-of-line” automatically

Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans “end-of-line” ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.

Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you’re away.

LEARN MORE
DNA Match

Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests

Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.

View your matches’ maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you’ll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.

LEARN MORE
Ancestry Reports

Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others

Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.

  • Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
  • Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
  • Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
LEARN MORE