Dictionary of Family Names

APPS.   A baptismal name meaning "the son of Abraham," or "Abel," from the nickname Abb, sharpened to App; cf. Epps for Ebbs, Hopkins for Hobkins, Hopps for Hobbs, &c.   But it is only fair to suggest that App may have been the nickname for the 13th century popular name of Apsalon (Absolom).  Apps would then be the patronymic.  I have no evidence for this, and merely throw it out for consideration.  There can be no doubt that if Apsalon be cast aside, then Apps stands for Abbs, q.v.—Since writing the above I have come across the following entry:

Thomas atte Apse, co. Soms., I Edw. III: Kirby's Quest, p. 174.

This, of course, is a local surname, and may share in the parentage of Apps.  This would be by residence beside the apse of a church; cf. Galilee, Porch, &c.