Thompson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Thompson come from? What does the surname Thompson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Thompson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Thompson Origin: What does the last name Thompson mean?
Thompson is a surname of English, Irish, and Scottish origin, derived from the name 'Thomson,' meaning 'son of Thom.' Alternatively, it may have a geographical origin from the parish of Thompson in Norfolk. The Plantation period saw settlers carrying the name to Ireland. Thompson is also the English translation of MacTavish, the Anglicized version of the Gaelic name MacTamhais. According to the 2010 United States Census, Thompson was the 23rd most commonly reported surname, representing 0.23% of the population.
YourRoots data indicates that the Thompson surname has roots in the United Kingdom dating back to the early 13th century. The name gained prominence in records during the 16th century in England and saw significant migration to the United States by the 17th century. By the 18th century, Thompson surname records were more prevalent in the United States than in the United Kingdom. Today, the Thompson surname is widespread globally, with notable concentrations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries like South Africa, Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway, showcasing its extensive reach across different regions and cultures.
Thompson Last Name History: Where did the last name Thompson come from?
Origin of Thompson Surname: Where does the last name Thompson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Thompson first made its appearance in records from the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 13th century. Please remember that these data points only reflect the exact spelling "Thompson" within YourRoots database and does not take into account other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Thompson: What does the Thompson surname history look like in the early days?
The "Thompson" surname was predominantly associated with the United Kingdom, specifically Scotland and England, from the 13th through to the 15th century. The frequency of Thompson family records began to increase significantly within YourRoots database during the 16th century in England. By the 17th century, the United States had overtaken the United Kingdom in terms of Thompson surname records, indicating a significant migration or spread during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Thompson surname today?
By the 18th century, the frequency of records with the Thompson surname had grown considerably in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries, demonstrating a wider global spread of the Thompson surname. Today, the "Thompson" surname appears prominently in the United States, but can also be found in other countries worldwide including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway, reflecting its extensive global spread.
Explore Thompson last name heritage and Thompson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME THOMPSON
Famous People With Thompson Surame?
Emma Thompson
Dame Emma Thompson (April 15, 1959) is a British actress and screenwriter known for her versatile performances on screen and stage. With a career spanning over four decades, she has won multiple prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards. Thompson has starred in iconic films such as the Harry Potter series, Love Actually, and Beauty and the Beast. She is also recognized for her writing talents, winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility. Thompson continues to captivate audiences with her talent and remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Daley Thompson
Francis Morgan Ayodélé "Daley" Thompson (born Jul 30, 1958) is an English former decathlete. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, breaking the world record for the decathlon four times and remaining unbeaten in competition for nine years. With multiple world records and titles, Thompson is considered one of the greatest decathletes of all time. His rivalry with Jürgen Hingsen in the 1980s was legendary, with both athletes constantly trading world records. Thompson's impressive career and achievements have solidified his place in sports history.
Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter Stockton Thompson (July 18, 1937 – February 20, 2005) was an American journalist and author known for pioneering New Journalism and creating the "Gonzo" style. He gained fame with works like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Hell's Angels," exploring counterculture and politics. Thompson's unique approach to storytelling, blending fact with personal experience, made him a countercultural icon. Despite struggles with fame and substance abuse, he continued to write for major publications until his death. Thompson's legacy lives on as a voice of American moralism and rebellion.
Kenan Thompson
Kenan Thompson (May 10, 1978 - ) is an American actor and comedian best known for his long-standing role on NBC's sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live. He also starred in the sitcom Kenan and is recognized for his work on Nickelodeon's All That and Kenan & Kel. Thompson has appeared in various films such as Good Burger, Fat Albert, and The Mighty Ducks franchise. With multiple Primetime Emmy nominations and a win, he is a beloved figure in the world of comedy and television.
Klay Thompson
Klay Alexander Thompson (born Feb 8, 1990) is an American basketball player known for his sharpshooting skills. He played for the Golden State Warriors for 13 seasons, winning four NBA championships. Thompson, part of the "Splash Brothers" duo, is a five-time NBA All-Star and a top three-point shooter. He also earned gold medals with Team USA in 2014 and 2016. Thompson's family has a sports legacy, with his father and brothers also playing professionally. After a career-threatening injury, Thompson returned to win his fourth NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2022.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.
