Origin & Meaning of the Thomson Surname
What does the last name Thomson mean?
The surname Thomson carries the meaning "Son of Thom." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 24,750 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thomson ranks as the #1,440 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thomson come from?
The Thomson 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 Thomson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thomson trace back to Old 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 | Thomson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Thom |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,440 |
| US Count (2010) | 24,750 |
| Per 100K People | 8.39 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thomson
According to the US Census, the Thomson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 24,750 Americans with the Thomson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.95% |
| Black | 3.98% |
| Hispanic | 2.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.27% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 1.76% |
Popularity of Thomson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thomson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thomson surname increased by 576 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Thomson
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