Thomas Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Thomas come from? What does the surname Thomas mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Thomas and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Thomas Origin: What does the last name Thomas mean?
The surname Thomas is of English, Welsh, Irish, Scottish, French, German, Dutch, and Danish origin. It derives from the medieval personal name of Biblical origin, from Hebrew, meaning 'twin'. The name Thomas was borne by one of the disciples of Christ, known for his skepticism about Christ's resurrection. The surname is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, especially in Cornwall and Wales, and is the ninth most common surname in the UK. In the United States, Thomas was the twelfth most common surname, accounting for 0.3% of the population.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Thomas surname in records from Wales, United Kingdom, around the early 12th century. The surname has a long history in the UK, particularly in Wales and England, dating back to the 12th century. The Thomas family records in the United States date back to the 16th century, indicating the spread of the surname over the centuries. The Thomas surname remains prominent in the United States today and has a global presence in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, and India.
Thomas Last Name History: Where did the last name Thomas come from?
Origin of Thomas Surname: Where does the last name Thomas originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Thomas first appeared in records from Wales, United Kingdom, around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact ‚Äö"Thomas" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Thomas: What does the Thomas surname history look like in the early days?
The ‚Äö"Thomas" surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly Wales and England, from the 12th through the 15th century. YourRoots data also shows Thomas family records in the United States starting from the 16th century, indicating the surname's spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Thomas surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Thomas surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 17th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The ‚"Thomas" surname remains prominent in the United States today. However, despite lower volumes in recent records, we cannot ascertain an actual decline in the surname‚Äôs frequency. The ‚"Thomas" surname still has a global presence, appearing in many countries, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, and India.
Explore Thomas last name heritage and Thomas surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Thomas Surame?
Clarence Thomas
Clarence Thomas (June 23, 1948 - Present) is an American lawyer and jurist serving as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991. Nominated by President George H. W. Bush, he is the second African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Thomas is known for his conservative views and originalist interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. Despite a controversial confirmation process, he has become a prominent figure in shaping legal decisions on religious freedom, gun rights, and federal authority. Thomas's background as a Gullah-speaking descendant of enslaved people adds a unique perspective to his judicial philosophy.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Jonathan Taylor Thomas (September 8, 1981) is an American actor and director best known for his roles as Randy Taylor on the sitcom "Home Improvement" and as the voice of young Simba in Disney's "The Lion King." With a background in philosophy and history from Ivy League schools like Harvard and Columbia, Thomas has also dabbled in directing and production. His versatile career includes appearances in popular films like "The Adventures of Pinocchio" and "Tom and Huck," showcasing his talent both on-screen and behind the camera.
Tovino Thomas
Tovino Thomas (born 21 Jan 1989) is an Indian actor and film producer known for his work in Malayalam cinema. He gained recognition for his roles in films like "Ennu Ninte Moideen" and "Minnal Murali." Thomas has won several awards for his performances, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also co-produced the film "Kilometers and Kilometers" and launched his own production house, Tovino Thomas Productions, in 2021.
Kristin Scott Thomas
Dame Kristin Ann Scott Thomas (May 24, 1960 - ) is a British actress known for her roles in films like The English Patient and Four Weddings and a Funeral. She has won multiple BAFTA and Olivier Awards for her performances on stage and screen. Scott Thomas has also been recognized with honors like the Officer of the Order of the British Empire and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to drama. With a career spanning decades, she continues to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility.
Rozonda Thomas
Rozonda Ocielian Thomas (February 27, 1971 - ) is an American singer, dancer, and actress known by her stage name Chilli. She rose to fame as a member of the iconic girl group TLC, which sold over 65 million records worldwide. Chilli has won four Grammy Awards for her contributions to music. In addition to her music career, she has ventured into acting, appearing in various TV shows and movies. Chilli's personal life has also garnered attention, including her relationships with producer Dallas Austin and singer Usher. She continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her talent and charisma.
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