Thomas is a masculine given name that has been in use since the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Aramaic name תָּאוֹמָא (Ta'oma'), which means "twin". The name became popular in the Christian world due to Saint Thomas the Apostle, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Thomas is a common name in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It has been a popular name for many notable figures throughout history, including Thomas Edison, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Aquinas.
Thomas rank report (US ranking for newborns 2021)
- Rank 42. Luca
- Rank 43. Anthony
- Rank 44. Dylan
- Rank 45. Lincoln
- Rank 46. Thomas
- Rank 47. Maverick
- Rank 48. Elias
- Rank 49. Josiah
- Rank 50. Charles
Nicknames for Thomas
Tom | tahm | Shortened version of the full name |
Tommy | tah-mee | A more affectionate nickname |
Thom | tahm | A shortened version of the name that drops the 'as' sound |
T | tee | A simple one-letter nickname |
Tam | tam | A nickname more common in Scotland and Ireland |
Tomas | toh-mahs | A variation of the name in Spanish and Portuguese |
Tomás | toh-mahs | A variation of the name in Spanish and Portuguese |
Tomasso | toh-mah-soh | An Italian variation of the name |
Tomik | toh-meek | A Polish nickname for Thomas |
Tomi | toh-mee | A Hungarian nickname for Thomas |
Famous people named Thomas
Thomas Edison | Inventor, businessman | Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life worldwide, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb. |
Thomas Jefferson | Founding Father, President | Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and later served as the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809. |
Thomas Aquinas | Philosopher, Theologian | Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, Catholic priest, and Doctor of the Church. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest philosophers and theologians in the history of the Catholic Church. |
Thomas Hardy | Novelist, Poet | Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in the tradition of George Eliot, he was influenced both in his novels and in his poetry by Romanticism, especially William Wordsworth. |
Thomas More | Statesman, Author | Thomas More was an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. He was a councillor to Henry VIII, and Lord High Chancellor of England from October 1529 to 16 May 1532. |
Thomas Becket | Archbishop, Martyr | Thomas Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. |
Thomas Merton | Writer, Monk | Thomas Merton was an American Catholic writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and Trappist monk. He wrote more than 70 books, mostly on spirituality, social justice, and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. |
Thomas Sowell | Economist, Social theorist | Thomas Sowell is an American economist, social theorist, and senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. He is known for his advocacy of laissez-faire economics and his criticism of the welfare state. |
Fictional character called Thomas from pop culture
Thomas Shelby | Peaky Blinders | The leader of the Peaky Blinders gang in Birmingham, England during the aftermath of World War I. |
Thomas Wayne | Batman | The father of Bruce Wayne (Batman) and a wealthy philanthropist in Gotham City. |
Thomas Anderson | The Matrix | The protagonist who discovers the truth about his reality and becomes the hacker alias Neo. |
Thomas Barrow | Downton Abbey | The head footman at Downton Abbey who struggles with his sexuality and position in society. |
Thomas O'Malley | The Aristocats | A charismatic alley cat who helps a family of aristocratic cats find their way back home. |
Thomas Magnum | Magnum, P.I. | A private investigator who lives in Hawaii and solves crimes with the help of his friends. |
Thomas Cromwell | Wolf Hall | A historical figure and advisor to King Henry VIII during the Tudor period in England. |
Thomas the Tank Engine | Thomas & Friends | A fictional steam locomotive who lives on the Island of Sodor and goes on adventures with his friends. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas
What is the origin of the name Thomas? | The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin. |
What is the meaning of the name Thomas? | The name Thomas means "twin. |
What are some famous people named Thomas? | Famous people named Thomas include Thomas Edison, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Aquinas. |
Is Thomas a popular name? | Yes, Thomas is a popular name, ranking in the top 100 baby names in the United States for several decades. |
What are some variations of the name Thomas? | Variations of the name Thomas include Tom, Tommy, Tomas, and Tomasz. |
What is the most common nickname for someone named Thomas? | The most common nickname for someone named Thomas is Tom. |
Is Thomas a unisex name? | No, Thomas is a traditionally male name. |
What is the feast day for Saint Thomas? | The feast day for Saint Thomas is July 3rd. |
What is the meaning behind the phrase "Doubting Thomas"? | The phrase "Doubting Thomas" refers to the Apostle Thomas, who initially doubted the resurrection of Jesus. |