Origin & Meaning of the Thames Surname
What does the last name Thames mean?
The surname Thames carries the meaning "Son of Thames." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 7,619 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thames ranks as the #4,654 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thames come from?
The Thames surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Thames name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thames trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Thames |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Thames |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,654 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,619 |
| Per 100K People | 2.58 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thames
According to the US Census, the Thames surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,619 Americans with the Thames last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 59.56% |
| Black | 34.9% |
| Hispanic | 2.0% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 2.61% |
Popularity of Thames Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thames surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thames surname increased by 567 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Thames Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Thames ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Thames Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Thames Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Thames
- ✓ The Thames coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Thames families live today
- ✓ Notable Thames bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Thames
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Thames.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Thames.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thames
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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