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Thomas

♂ Boy

Pronounced TOM-us /ˈtɒməs/High

Meaning: Twin; from Aramaic Ta'omaHigh

In 30 seconds: A venerable Biblical name meaning 'twin,' borne by the Apostle Thomas. One of the most enduringly popular boys' names in the English-speaking world for over 800 years.
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Origin HighAramaic
MeaningTwin; from Aramaic Ta'oma
Peak year1952
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,304,948

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195218802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Thomas comes from the Aramaic Ta'oma, meaning twin. It was the name of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, famously known as 'Doubting Thomas' for his initial disbelief in the resurrection. The name spread across Europe with Christianity, and after the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170, it became enormously popular in England.

Thomas has ranked among the most common boys' names in England and the U.S. since the Middle Ages with virtually no interruption. It carries associations with saints (Thomas More, Thomas Aquinas), presidents (Jefferson), and inventors (Edison), lending it an air of intellectual gravitas. Today it remains firmly in the U.S. top 15.

Did you know? Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), the great scholastic philosopher, cemented the name's prestige in Catholic Europe so deeply that it became one of England's most common medieval names.

Variations

TomásTomasTommasoTomos

Nicknames

TomTommyThom

Famous Bearers

  • ★Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
    Third U.S. President and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
  • ★Thomas Edison (1847–1931)
    American inventor credited with the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a practical incandescent light bulb.

If you like Thomas…

William— equally enduring English classic with centuries of royal use
James— Biblical apostle name that has never left the top rankings
Henry— strong, historic English boys' name with royal pedigree
Charles— classic European royal name with the same timeless reliability

Frequently Asked

What does the name Thomas mean?

Thomas is an Aramaic name meaning 'twin,' borne by one of Jesus's twelve apostles.

How do you pronounce Thomas?

It's said TOM-us /ˈtɒməs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Thomas a boy or girl name?

Thomas is overwhelmingly used as a boys' name in the English-speaking world.

How popular is Thomas?

Thomas has ranked in the U.S. top 15 boys' names for most recorded history, making it one of the most enduring names in use.