Thomson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Thomson come from? What does the surname Thomson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Thomson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Thomson Origin: What does the last name Thomson mean?
Thomson is a patronymic surname of English, Irish, and Scottish origin, meaning "son of Thom, Thomp, Thompkin, or other diminutive of Thomas", derived from the Aramaic תום or Tôm, meaning "twin". Variations of the surname include Thomason, Thomasson, and Thomoson. The name has been documented in Cheshire records before and after the 1066 Norman Conquest and has French variations like Thomassin and Thomsson. Notable individuals with the surname Thomson include musicians, politicians, and scientists.
YourRoots data reveals that the Thomson surname first appeared in records from Scotland in the early 14th century, with increased frequency in the United Kingdom from the 15th to 18th centuries. By the 19th century, Thomson surname records began appearing in the United States, signifying its spread across the Atlantic. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Thomson surname has become prevalent in countries like the United States and Australia, demonstrating its global reach and presence in various regions and cultures.
Thomson Last Name History: Where did the last name Thomson come from?
Origin of Thomson Surname: Where does the last name Thomson originate from?
The YourRoots database indicates that the surname Thomson first appeared in records from Scotland, a part of the United Kingdom, around the early 14th century. Please remember, this only includes YourRoots data for the exact “Thomson” spelling and does not account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Thomson: What does the Thomson surname history look like in the early days?
From its earliest records in the 14th century, the “Thomson” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland and England, for several centuries. The frequency of Thomson family records increased significantly in these regions during the 15th to the 18th centuries. The 19th century saw an increased frequency of Thomson surname records in the United States, indicating its spread across the Atlantic.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Thomson surname today?
By the 20th century, the Thomson surname was more commonly found in the United States, as indicated by the volume of Thomson records in the YourRoots database. The 21st century saw the Thomson surname appearing in records from Australia. Today, the “Thomson” surname, while still prevalent in its countries of origin, Scotland and England, is found in various countries. These include the United States, Australia, and potentially others not represented in the YourRoots database.
Explore Thomson last name heritage and Thomson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Thomson Surame?
J. J. Thomson
Sir Joseph John Thomson (18 Dec 1856 – 30 Aug 1940) was an English physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1906 for his groundbreaking work on the conduction of electricity in gases. He discovered the electron and isotopes of stable elements. Thomson mentored seven Nobel Prize winners in physics and chemistry, including Ernest Rutherford. He was a reserved Anglican who excelled in science from a young age. Married to Rose Elisabeth Paget, they had two children, one of whom, George Paget Thomson, also won a Nobel Prize in Physics. Thomson's legacy in physics and academia continues to inspire generations of scientists.
Mick Thomson
Mickael Gordon "Mick" Thomson (November 3, 1973 - ) is an American musician known for his role as one of the guitarists in the heavy metal band Slipknot. He joined the band in 1996 and has been a key member ever since. Thomson is recognized for his unique style and has collaborated with various other bands outside of Slipknot. With a passion for death metal and a love for playing guitar, Thomson has made a significant impact on the music industry. He continues to inspire fans around the world with his powerful performances and dedication to his craft.
Rob Thomson
Robert Lewis Thomson (August 16, 1963 - ) is a Canadian professional baseball manager for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). Known as "Topper," Thomson had a successful playing career as a catcher and third baseman in the Detroit Tigers organization before transitioning into coaching and front office roles with the New York Yankees. He eventually became the bench coach for the Phillies and was named interim manager in 2022, leading the team to their first playoff series win in over a decade. Thomson's leadership earned him the full-time manager position, and he went on to guide the Phillies to their first National League pennant in years.
Tom Thomson
Thomas John "Tom" Thomson (August 5, 1877 – July 8, 1917) was a Canadian artist known for his iconic landscape paintings in the early 20th century. His works, such as "The Jack Pine" and "The West Wind," heavily influenced Canadian art and culture. Despite his short career, Thomson produced hundreds of oil sketches and larger canvas works, showcasing the beauty of the Ontario landscape with vivid colors and thick brush strokes. Tragically, his accidental drowning at the age of 39 cut short his promising artistic journey. Thomson's legacy lives on through his association with the Group of Seven and his impact on Canadian art.
Judith Jarvis Thomson
Judith Jarvis Thomson (October 4, 1929 – November 20, 2020) was an American philosopher known for her work on ethics and metaphysics. She is famous for her writings on the trolley problem and abortion, specifically her paper "A Defense of Abortion". Thomson's thought experiment redirected philosophical attention to the rights of pregnant women, influencing the debate on abortion. She made significant contributions to moral philosophy and metaphysics, challenging consequentialist and hedonist perspectives. Thomson taught at MIT for most of her career, receiving numerous honors and awards for her work. Her legacy continues to impact the fields of philosophy and ethics.
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