What Does the Word “Amish” Mean?

Misconceptions often swirl around the Amish, partly because of their intentional separation from the world beyond their close-knit communities. The name “Amish” itself traces its roots to Jakob Ammann, a prominent Swiss Anabaptist whose teachings and influence laid the bedrock of Amish beliefs.

Ammann’s quest for a simpler, more unadorned way of life led him to part ways with the Mennonites, paving the path for establishing his distinct church. Around 1720, this group of like-minded individuals embarked on a journey to settle in regions like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and the American Midwest.