Skip Ancestry main menuMain MenuAncestry
HomeTreesSearchDNAHelpExtras
Sign In
Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
  • Support Centre
  • Ancestry Blog
  • About Us
  • Site Map
  • Gift Memberships
  • Careers
    • Ancestry Corporate
    • Fold3.com
    • ForcesWarRecords.com
    • Geneanet.org
    • Newspapers.com
    • ProGenealogists.com
    • RootsWeb.com
  • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
Group of people

Meaning of the first name Thomas

Origin

Greek

Meaning

A Twin

Variations

Thomae, Tomas, Thompson
The name Thomas finds its roots in ancient Greece and is derived from the Greek word toma, meaning a twin. This name holds significant historical and cultural relevance throughout the ages. In Greek mythology, it is believed to be the name of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, often referred to as Doubting Thomas due to his initial skepticism. This association with a biblical figure has contributed to the popularity and endurance of the name over time.

Throughout history, the name Thomas has been adopted by many prominent figures. Notably, Saint Thomas Aquinas, the influential theologian and philosopher of the 13th century, is celebrated as one of the greatest intellectuals in Western civilization. Furthermore, the name has been prevalent in royal families across Europe, such as Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, and Thomas Edison, the renowned inventor.

In modern times, Thomas remains a frequently used name. It consistently ranks among the top names chosen by parents worldwide, reflecting its timeless appeal. The enduring popularity of Thomas is likely due to its straightforward pronunciation, simplicity, and the numerous notable individuals who have borne the name. Whether in history or contemporary society, the name Thomas has left an indelible mark, solidifying its position as a name of significance and distinction.

Based on our records...

Smith

This is the most common surname associated with Thomas.

Mary

This is the most common name of those married to a Thomas.

Thomas

This is the most common name for a child of a Thomas.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

What are you curious about?

Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
Start a free trial
Order AncestryDNA
Based on our records...

Did you know?

1860 is when there were the most people born with the first name Thomas.

Explore the origins of another name.