The given name Amiel is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name Ammiel, which means "people of God" or "my kinsman is God." The name first appeared in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers (13:12), where Ammiel is mentioned as a member of the tribe of Dan.

In ancient times, the name Amiel was primarily used by Jewish communities in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages among Sephardic Jews, who settled in Spain and Portugal after the expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula in the late 15th century.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Amiel can be found in the 12th century. Amiel de Berbeziers was a French scholar and theologian who lived from around 1110 to 1170. He was known for his work in interpreting the Bible and defending the Catholic faith against heretical movements of the time.

In the 16th century, Amiel Melamed was a prominent rabbi and scholar in the Ottoman Empire. Born in Salonika (now Thessaloniki, Greece) around 1540, he wrote extensively on Jewish law and philosophy, and his works were highly regarded among his contemporaries.

During the 17th century, Amiel Valerio was an Italian philosopher and poet born in Naples in 1625. He is best known for his philosophical treatise "De la Saggezza" (On Wisdom), which explored themes of ethics, virtue, and the pursuit of knowledge.

In the 19th century, Henri-Frédéric Amiel was a Swiss philosopher and poet who lived from 1821 to 1881. His most famous work, "Journal Intime" (Intimate Journal), is a collection of personal reflections and insights on philosophy, religion, and the human condition.

Another notable figure was Amiel Hirsch, an American rabbi and Zionist leader born in 1876. He played a significant role in the early 20th century in promoting the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine and was involved in the founding of several Zionist organizations.