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Thomas Boy

Popularity: #39 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationTOM-us / /ˈtɒməs/

Aramaic; Greek; Latin

Meaning

Aramaic: twin; Greek: a name derived from the Hebrew word for 'twin'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Thomas originates from the Aramaic name "Te'oma," which means "twin." This name was adopted into Greek as "Thomas" and subsequently into Latin, where it maintained its form. The transition into Old French as "Thomas" further solidified its presence in Western Europe, eventually making its way into English by the 12th century. The name's etymological roots reflect a common practice in ancient cultures of naming individuals after familial relationships, in this case, suggesting a twin sibling or a close bond between siblings.

Historically, Thomas is most notably associated with the biblical figure Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is often referred to as "Doubting Thomas" due to his initial skepticism regarding the resurrection of Jesus, a narrative found in the Gospel of John, which was written in the late 1st century. The name gained further prominence through the Middle Ages, particularly with the veneration of Saint Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was martyred in 1170. His canonization in 1173 and the subsequent establishment of pilgrimage sites contributed to the name's enduring legacy in Christian tradition.

Culturally, the name Thomas has been associated with qualities such as loyalty and faithfulness, reflecting the characteristics attributed to its biblical namesake. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Tom and Tommy, which have been used affectionately in English-speaking cultures. Throughout history, Thomas has appeared in numerous literary works and has been borne by many notable figures, including philosophers, writers, and leaders, further embedding it in the cultural consciousness. Its historical significance and rich etymological background have ensured that the name remains a symbol of enduring value across various cultures.

Trend Summary

Thomas has consistently remained a popular name in the United States, often ranking within the top 100 names for boys.

Similar Names

TimothyTobiasTalonTannerTitusTheoTristan

Variants

  • Tom
  • Tommy

International Variants

  • Tomás (Spanish)
  • Tomas (Czech)
  • Toma (Bulgarian)
  • Tomaš (Croatian)
  • Tomasz (Polish)

Famous people named Thomas

Thomas Edison is an inventor and businessman best known for the electric light bulb, phonograph, and motion pictures.

Thomas Jefferson is a Founding Father and the third President of the United States best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Hardy is a novelist and poet best known for Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Jude the Obscure, and Far from the Madding Crowd.

Thomas Mann is a novelist best known for Buddenbrooks, The Magic Mountain, and Death in Venice.

Thomas Aquinas is a philosopher and theologian best known for Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles.

Thomas Paine is a political activist and writer best known for Common Sense and The American Crisis.

Thomas Wolfe is a novelist best known for Look Homeward, Angel, and You Can't Go Home Again.

Thomas Haden Church is an actor best known for Sideways, Wings, and Spider-Man 3.

Thomas Bangalter is a musician best known as a member of Daft Punk and for the album Discovery.

Thomas Rhett is a country music singer and songwriter best known for Die a Happy Man, It Goes Like This, and Life Changes.

Thomas Dolby is a musician and producer best known for She Blinded Me with Science and his work in the 1980s synth-pop genre.

Thomas Jane is an actor best known for The Punisher, The Mist, and Hung.

Thomas Middleditch is an actor and comedian best known for Silicon Valley, and his work in improv comedy.

Thomas Vinterberg is a film director best known for Festen, The Hunt, and Another Round.

Thomas Ian Nicholas is an actor best known for American Pie, Rookie of the Year, and Walt Before Mickey.

Thomas McDonell is an actor best known for The 100, Prom, and The Forbidden Kingdom.

Fictional characters named Thomas

Thomas the Tank Engine is a fictional character from the children's television series Thomas & Friends. He is a cheerful blue steam engine who works on the Island of Sodor and often finds himself in various adventures.

Thomas Anderson, also known as Neo, is a fictional character from the film series The Matrix. He is a hacker who becomes the prophesied savior of humanity in a dystopian future controlled by machines.

Sibling Suggestions

JamesWilliamHenryCharlesEdwardGeorgeSamuel

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Thomas was first seen in the United States in 1880. Thomas has ranked as high as #12 nationally, which occurred in 1952, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Thomas has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Thomas (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 569
9%
CA 509
8%
NY 411
7%
FL 352
6%
PA 260
4%
NC 247
4%
OH 237
4%
GA 228
4%
MA 223
4%
IL 214
3%
VA 213
3%
TN 192
3%
MI 177
3%
IN 151
2%
SC 150
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18802,534
18812,282
18822,610
18832,316
18842,572
18852,266
18862,337
18872,151
18882,449
18892,233
18902,200
18911,982
18922,413
18932,157
18942,170
18952,153
18962,088
18971,980
18982,161
18991,811
19002,556
19011,820
19022,134
19031,962
19042,057
19052,135
19062,176
19072,174
19082,301
19092,468
19102,851
19113,292
19126,087
19137,096
19148,850
191511,490
191611,998
191712,611
191813,910
191913,434
192014,936
192115,308
192215,261
192315,886
192416,555
192516,688
192616,592
192717,027
192816,582
192916,274
193017,007
193116,846
193216,835
193316,506
193417,372
193517,685
193618,343
193719,771
193821,380
193922,128
194023,992
194126,643
194231,097
194332,874
194431,603
194531,873
194638,876
194744,840
194843,778
194945,195
195045,596
195148,275
195248,650
195347,009
195447,157
195545,855
195644,841
195744,624
195842,087
195940,291
196039,273
196137,568
196236,525
196335,490
196434,451
196531,606
196629,005
196728,251
196827,424
196927,466
197026,674
197123,150
197219,561
197317,924
197417,270
197516,535
197616,122
197716,591
197816,483
197916,456
198017,565
198117,160
198217,579
198317,565
198417,597
198517,607
198617,363
198718,137
198818,808
198918,436
199018,230
199116,788
199215,288
199314,868
199414,910
199514,163
199613,805
199712,899
199812,890
199912,793
200012,639
200112,148
200211,293
200310,934
200410,504
200510,041
20069,514
20078,935
20088,368
20097,727
20107,135
20116,928
20126,855
20136,797
20147,041
20157,203
20167,365
20177,184
20186,836
20196,666
20206,447
20216,680
20226,507
20236,620
20246,576