The surname of AMPHLETT was a locational name 'of Amfleet', a place name in Boulogne, France. The meaning of the word was shallow creek, from residence nearby. The name was brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Habitation names, which are by far the largest group, usually denoted where the original bearer of the name held his land, and where he actually lived. These local surnames derive (with a few occasional exceptions) from English, Scottish or French places, and were originally preceded by a preposition such as 'atte' or 'bye'. The earliest local surnames of French origin are chiefly from Normandy, particularly from the departments of Calvados, Eure, Seine-Inferieure and La Manche, although some Frenchmen, arriving in England early acquired surnames from English places. Local names may derive from the manor held, the place of residence, and occasionally from a sign like an Inn or Tavern, or a particularly unusual shape of rock, hill, tree, stream or river. Early records of the name mention Robert Amflet, Mayor of Lynn Regis, County Norfolk in 1516. William Amflete, Rector of West Lexham, was documented in County Norfolk in 1517. William Amphlett, Lord of the Manor of Hadsor, Worcestershire in the time of James I (1603-1625). The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. (Hadsor and Clent, County Worcester). Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but they were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward II (1327-1377) that it became common practice for all people.