This Italian surname of AMICO is a baptismal name 'the son of Amys' which was derived from the Old French name Aimee. The name was rendered in medieval documents in the Latin form AMICUS, meaning 'to love'. During the 17th century surnames were brought to Britain, North America and southern Africa by French Huguenot exiles. The Huguenots were French Protestants, and in 1572 large numbers of them were massacred in Paris on the orders of Queen Catherine de'Medici. Many of the survivors sought refuge in England and elsewhere. Although the Edict of Nantes (1598) officially guaranteed religious toleration, persecution continued, and the Edict was revoked by Louis XIV in 1685. It was then the trickle of emigration became a flood. Many migrated to England, while others joined groups of Dutch Protestants settling around the Cape of Good Hope. Others sailed across the Atlantic to establish themselves in North America. A notable member of the name was Giovanni Battista AMICI (l784-l863) the Italian optician, astronomer and natural philosopher, born in Medina. He constructed optical instruments, perfecting his own alloys for telescope mirrors, and, in l827 produced the dioptric, achromatic microscope that bears his name. He became director of the Florence Observatory in l835. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Rietstaps Armorial General. Registered in Italy. Surnames as we know them today were first assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th Century. The employment in the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans. They themselves had not long before adopted them. It became, in course of time, a mark of gentler blood, and it was deemed a disgrace for gentlemen to have but one single name, as the meaner sort had. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour.