NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Thompson

What is the origin of the name Thompson?

The surname Thompson is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name 'Tom(a)s' (a short form of 'Thomas') followed by 'son', meaning 'son of Thomas'. As a given name, it has become more common in modern times, often used as a diminutive or nickname for names containing 'Tom' such as Thomas, Thomasina, and so on.

Learn more about the origin of the name Thompson

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Thompson

The name Thompson is an Anglo-Saxon surname that has been used as a given name in modern times. It is derived from the Old English "Tomas" or "Thomas," which means "twin" and was the Aramaic name for the apostle Doubting Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. The surname Thompson developed among the Normans in the Middle Ages as a habitation name from places called Thom(e)s(e) in various counties in England, or possibly from the Old Norse personal name Þórmundr, composed of the elements þór (thunder) and mundr (protector). As a given name, Thompson has been used since the mid-19th century and is popular in English-speaking countries.

Character traits associated with the name Thompson

Thompson, as a name, is often associated with individuals who possess a mix of intelligence, practicality, and determination. Named after Sir Banastre Tarleton Thompson, a British Army officer during the American Revolutionary War, this name might suggest an appreciation for history and a sense of duty. Thompsons are typically known for their strong work ethic, being diligent and thorough in their pursuits. They tend to be logical thinkers, employing a practical approach to problem-solving. Their strong sense of fairness is often evident in their interactions with others, making them trusted individuals among their peers. Thompsons are also known for their resilience, bouncing back from adversity with determination and an unwavering spirit. This name, therefore, often signifies a grounded, intelligent, and hardworking individual who values fairness and perseveres in the face of challenges.

Popularity of the name Thompson

The first name Thompson is a relatively common name, with variations such as Thomson and Thompendyke also found. It has been popular in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranked around 500th most popular for boys born in 2020. However, its popularity can vary significantly depending on regions and years. For instance, it was more popular in the early 20th century, reaching a peak in the 1930s. The name Thompson has associations with several notable figures, including the American author Hunter S. Thompson and British theoretical physicist Sir Peter Thompson, which may contribute to its enduring popularity.

Famous people with the name Thompson

Notable individuals named Thompson include Hunter S. Thompson, an influential journalist and author known for his provocative Gonzo journalism style, which blurred the lines between fact and fiction. His works like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" have left an enduring impact on literature and popular culture. Ernest Thompson Seton was a conservationist, painter, and writer who co-founded the Boy Scouts of America and authored the influential book "Wild Animals I Have Known." Fritz Thompson, a politician from the United States, served as a member of the New Jersey State Senate. In the realm of science, Lowell Thomas Jr., also known as Lou Thompson, was an American astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of quasars and active galactic nuclei. These are some of the most recognized Thompsons throughout history, each contributing in unique ways across various fields.

Variations of the name Thompson

Thompson is primarily a surname that has been used as a given name in some cultures. Variations of the name include Thom, Thoma, Thomas, Tom, Tommy, Thomase, and Thomason, among others. These variations can be found across various countries, although their usage and popularity may differ significantly depending on the region. For example, Thomas is a common variant in English-speaking countries, while Thoma might be more common in some Scandinavian regions. Additionally, diminutives like Tommie, Tommyboy, or T.J. (which stands for Thompson James) are also found in different parts of the world. It's important to note that the usage and popularity of these variations can vary greatly due to cultural and regional differences, as well as changes in naming trends over time.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Thobhani (First name)

forenames > thobhani

The first name "Thobhani" appears to have origins in the Zulu language, which is a Bantu language spoken in Southern Africa.

Thobie (First name)

forenames > thobie

Thobie is a variant of the Hebrew name Tobias, which means "God is good" or "the goodness of God." The name has been popularized by the biblical figure Tobit and the book of Tobit ...

Thokya (First name)

forenames > thokya

The name "Thokya" has origins in the Tibetan language. It is a Tibetan name typically given to female individuals.

Tholiwe (First name)

forenames > tholiwe

The first name Tholiwe is of Zulu origin.

Thomas emrys (First name)

forenames > thomas-emrys

The first name Thomas is of Aramaic origin meaning "twin." The first name Emrys is of Welsh origin meaning "immortal."

Thomas pablo sanchez (First name)

forenames > thomas-pablo-sanchez

The name "Thomas" is of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin." The name "Pablo" is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name "Paulus," meaning "small" or "humble." The surname "Sanch...

Thomas shirley (First name)

forenames > thomas-shirley

The name Thomas is of Greek origin, derived from the Aramaic name תָּאוֹמָא (Ta'oma) which means "twin." The name Shirley is of Old English origin, derived from the words ...

Thomas-yves (First name)

forenames > thomas-yves

The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin." Yves is a French form of the name Ivo, which is of Germanic origin, meaning "yew."

Thomasin (First name)

forenames > thomasin

The name "Thomasin" is of English origin and is a variant of the name "Thomas." It is a masculine name that means "twin" in Aramaic.

Thomasmt (First name)

forenames > thomasmt

The name "Thomas" is of Aramaic origin and means "twin." It is derived from the Greek name Θωμάς (Thōmas), which in turn comes from the Aramaic name תָּאוֹמָא (Ta'om...

Thombare (First name)

forenames > thombare

Thombare is a Marathi surname derived from the Marathi word "thomb," which means a cylindrical object. It is also a common surname among the Brahmin community in Maharashtra, India...

Thoméré (First name)

forenames > thomere

The name Thomere has uncertain origins and is not commonly found in historical records or sources.

Thommaipillai (First name)

forenames > thommaipillai

The origin of the first name "Thommaipillai" is Tamil.

Thommaz (First name)

forenames > thommaz

The name "Thommaz" is of German origin and is a variation of the name "Thomas", which has roots in Aramaic and Greek. It is derived from the Greek name "Thomas", which means "twin"...

Thommie (First name)

forenames > thommie

The name "Thommie" is of English origin. It is a diminutive form of the name "Thomas", which is of Aramaic origin meaning "twin".