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Tom Boy

Popularity: #878 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationTom / tɒm

Hebrew; Aramaic; English

Meaning

Hebrew: 'twin'; Aramaic: 'to be perfect'; English: diminutive of Thomas

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Tom is derived from the Aramaic name "Toma," meaning "twin." This name was adopted into Greek as "Thomas" and subsequently into Latin as "Thomas," which maintained the original meaning. The name entered the English language through the Old French form "Thomas," which became popular in England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The widespread use of the name in English-speaking countries was significantly influenced by the biblical figure Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, who is often referred to as "Doubting Thomas" due to his initial skepticism about the resurrection of Christ. His story is recounted in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John, which dates back to the 1st century CE.

Throughout history, the name Tom has been associated with various notable figures, including Saint Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian and philosopher of the 13th century, whose works have had a lasting impact on Christian thought. The name also appears in literature and folklore, such as in the character Tom Sawyer from Mark Twain's novel published in the late 19th century, which further solidified its cultural resonance. The diminutive form "Tommy" has also emerged, often used affectionately or informally.

Culturally, the name Tom has been linked to notions of reliability and commonness, often embodying the archetype of the everyman in various narratives. This association has contributed to the name's endurance across generations, as it evokes familiarity and approachability. The name's biblical roots and its connection to significant historical and literary figures have ensured its continued relevance in various contexts.

Trend Summary

Tom has consistently been a popular name in the United States, though its usage has declined in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Thomas
  • Tommy

International Variants

  • Tomas (Spanish)
  • Toma (Bulgarian)
  • Tomáš (Czech)
  • Toma (Italian)

Famous people named Tom

Tom Hanks is an actor best known for Forrest Gump, Big, and Cast Away.

Tom Cruise is an actor and producer best known for Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire.

Tom Hardy is an actor best known for Inception, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Venom.

Tom Brady is a former professional American football quarterback best known for his time with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tom Petty was a musician and songwriter best known for Free Fallin', American Girl, and his work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Tom Jones is a singer best known for It's Not Unusual, What's New Pussycat?, and Delilah.

Tom Selleck is an actor best known for Magnum, P.I., Friends, and Blue Bloods.

Fictional characters named Tom

Tom Sawyer is a fictional character from the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He is a mischievous boy who enjoys adventures along the Mississippi River and often finds himself in trouble.

Tom Riddle is a fictional character from the Harry Potter series. He is the dark wizard who becomes Lord Voldemort, serving as the primary antagonist throughout the series.

Tom Haverford is a fictional character from the television series Parks and Recreation. He is a charismatic and ambitious city councilman known for his entrepreneurial spirit and love of luxury.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Tom was first seen in the United States in 1880. Tom has ranked as high as #176 nationally, which occurred in 1959, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. In the past 5 years the name Tom has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Tom (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 9
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880399
1881349
1882390
1883386
1884394
1885361
1886383
1887329
1888416
1889379
1890347
1891318
1892381
1893349
1894343
1895335
1896339
1897298
1898337
1899288
1900469
1901291
1902312
1903295
1904318
1905317
1906298
1907313
1908340
1909340
1910428
1911365
1912538
1913573
1914735
1915869
1916971
1917981
19181,104
19191,059
19201,207
19211,092
19221,084
19231,131
19241,097
19251,216
19261,252
19271,269
19281,305
19291,270
19301,336
19311,363
19321,538
19331,425
19341,579
19351,725
19361,695
19371,807
19381,931
19392,028
19402,287
19412,500
19422,875
19432,910
19442,901
19452,893
19463,624
19473,922
19483,429
19492,543
19501,823
19511,522
19521,439
19531,377
19541,388
19551,513
19561,914
19573,352
19584,358
19595,068
19604,896
19614,727
19624,172
19633,697
19643,294
19652,497
19661,850
19671,491
19681,362
19691,214
19701,130
1971867
1972581
1973453
1974423
1975303
1976317
1977285
1978244
1979261
1980235
1981243
1982197
1983200
1984187
1985180
1986188
1987177
1988189
1989189
1990214
1991194
1992151
1993146
1994116
1995134
1996126
1997125
1998132
1999116
200099
200196
2002140
2003132
2004107
2005125
2006109
200794
200896
200999
201080
201183
201283
201382
201477
201570
201670
201788
201866
201987
202058
202164
202260
202350
202446