An Amish community has 30-40 last names. Result: 15 Jacob Millers, 8 Samuel Yoders, 12 Mary Troyers.
Surnames
Miller, Yoder, Troyer, Stoltzfus, King, Fisher, Beiler, Lapp, Glick, Zook — ten surnames cover 80% of Amish population. All descended from 200 founders in the 18th century.
How They Distinguish
By nickname: Curly Jake, Big Sam, Chicken Dan. By father: Johnny's Amos. By farm: Hilltop Miller. By trade: Blacksmith John.
First Names
Biblical: Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah, Ruth. German: Hans, Fritz, Greta. Sometimes English: Mary, John, Samuel. No trendy names: no Jaydens, Aidens, Mackenzies.
Fact
The mailman in an Amish area knows that 'Stoltzfus on Mill Road' isn't an address but a specific person. Without a nickname or location — the letter won't arrive.