Thompson is a surname of English, Irish, and Scottish origin, derived from the name 'Thomson,' meaning 'son of Thom.' It can also be the English translation of MacTavish or arise from the parish of Thompson in Norfolk. Settlers carried the name to Ireland during the Plantation period. According to the 2010 United States Census, Thompson was the 23rd most frequently reported surname, accounting for 0.23% of the population.Notable individuals with the surname Thompson include a diverse range of personalities. From sports figures like Aaron Thompson, an English footballer, and Archie Thompson, an Australian footballer, to cultural figures like Caroline Thompson, an American novelist and film director, and Dijon Thompson, an American basketball player. The list also includes inventors, actors, musicians, politicians, and more.With such a wide array of accomplishments, the Thompson surname has made its mark across various fields, showcasing the diverse and impactful contributions of individuals bearing this name.

Thompson Ware McNeely (October 5, 1835 – July 23, 1921) was a prominent figure in U.S. politics, known for his service as a U.S. Representative from Illinois. With a strong educational background, including studies at Jubilee College in Peoria, Illinois, and graduation from Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois, McNeely was a well-rounded individual. His legal expertise, acquired from the law department of the University of Louisville, enabled him to make significant contributions to the legal and political realms. Elected as a Democrat to the Forty-first and Forty-second Congresses, he was a dedicated and influential representative. Beyond his political career, McNeely also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions and resumed the practice of law in Petersburg, Illinois. His enduring commitment to public service was evident in his role as a master in chancery for Menard County until his passing on July 23, 1921. Today, his legacy lives on, and he is remembered for his invaluable contributions to the political landscape of the United States.

Thompson Phillips (1832 – 1909) was an influential figure as the Archdeacon of Furness from 1892 to 1901. Hailing from Convamore, County Cork, Ireland, Phillips received his education at prestigious institutions including Manchester Grammar School, Trinity College, Dublin, and St John's College, Cambridge. Following his ordainment as a priest in 1857, he served in various capacities, including curacies in Paddington and Coventry, and later as an incumbent at Holme Eden, Ivegill, and Barrow-in-Furness. Notably, he married Eliza, the daughter of General James Wallace Sleigh, and together they had a son named James Robert Phillips. Phillips also played a significant role in the life of Elizabeth Everest, employing her as a nanny for his daughter, Ella, for twelve years. Additionally, after Mrs. Everest's dismissal as a nanny to Winston and Jack Churchill, Rev. Phillips provided her with a home for about a year until she found her final residence with her sister.

Thompson Dimock Weeks (November 5, 1832 – February 12, 1901) was an American lawyer and Republican politician. Born in Norwich, Massachusetts, he settled in Lyons, Wisconsin Territory, in 1843, and later moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1860. Weeks graduated from Lawrence University in 1858 and Albany Law School in 1859. He practiced law in Wisconsin and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1867 as a Republican, followed by terms in the Wisconsin State Senate in 1874 and 1895, where he represented Walworth County and was president pro tempore of the Senate during the 1895–1896 session. Additionally, Weeks served on the board of regents for Wisconsin normal schools. His contributions to the political and legal landscape were significant, and his legacy lives on. Weeks passed away in Whitewater, Wisconsin, leaving behind a lasting impact on Wisconsin politics and law. For more information, you can visit Thompson Dimock Weeks at Find a Grave.