According to E. De Felice, Amerighi is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Amerigo, a name of Germanic origin documented in Italy from at least the 10th century in Latinized forms such as Heimericus, Aimericus, and Amerigus. The name belongs to the same Germanic tradition that also gave rise to the names Enrico and Arrigo.

De Felice explains that Amerigo derives from the Germanic elements haimi (“homeland,” “home country”) and rikia (“powerful,” “lord,” “ruler”), giving it the original meaning of “powerful in the homeland” or “lord of his own land.” He notes that the surname is characteristic of northern Italy and Tuscany and is relatively rare today.

E. Rossoni agrees with this interpretation and traces the surname to the medieval forms Amerigo, Amerigus, and Amarigus. He points out that the most famous bearer of the name was Amerigo Vespucci, whose name was ultimately given to the American continent.

Overall, Amerighi is a patronymic surname meaning “descendants of Amerigo,” preserving an ancient Germanic personal name associated with power, leadership, and attachment to one’s homeland.