Origin & Meaning of the Thompson Surname
What does the last name Thompson mean?
The surname Thompson carries the meaning "Son of Thomp." It is derived from the Middle English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 664,644 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thompson ranks as the #23 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thompson come from?
The Thompson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of 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 Thompson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thompson trace back to Middle English. 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 | Thompson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Thomp |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Middle English |
| US Rank (2010) | #23 |
| US Count (2010) | 664,644 |
| Per 100K People | 225.32 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thompson
According to the US Census, the Thompson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 664,644 Americans with the Thompson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.78% |
| Black | 23.57% |
| Hispanic | 2.49% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 1.22% |
| Two or More Races | 2.37% |
Popularity of Thompson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thompson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thompson surname increased by 20,276 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Thompson
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Thompson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thompson
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