Origin & Meaning of the Thomas Surname
What does the last name Thomas mean?
The surname Thomas carries the meaning "From the Aramaic name meaning 'twin'." It is derived from the Aramaic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 756,142 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thomas ranks as the #16 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thomas come from?
The Thomas surname has its roots in Welsh/English heritage. Names of Welsh/English 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 Thomas name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thomas trace back to Aramaic. 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 | Thomas |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Aramaic name meaning 'twin' |
| Origin | Welsh/English |
| Language | Aramaic |
| US Rank (2010) | #16 |
| US Count (2010) | 756,142 |
| Per 100K People | 256.34 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thomas
According to the US Census, the Thomas surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 756,142 Americans with the Thomas last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 52.63% |
| Black | 38.75% |
| Hispanic | 2.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.44% |
| Native American | 1.07% |
| Two or More Races | 2.58% |
Popularity of Thomas Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thomas surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thomas surname increased by 45,446 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Welsh/English Surnames
Explore more surnames with Welsh/English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Welsh/English origin as Thomas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thomas
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