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Last Name Dethomas

What is the origin of the last name Dethomas?

The surname Dethomas is of French origin. It is derived from the given names Des-Thomas, a compound name composed of the Old French personal name Desir (meaning "desired" or "longed for") and Thomas, a popular given name in medieval Europe, derived from the Aramaic name Ta'oma, meaning "twin." Over time, the hyphen was often dropped, leading to the surname Dethomas. It is most common in France but can also be found among French Canadian and French Creole populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dethomas

The meaning and origin of the last name Dethomas

The surname Dethomas is a derivative of the given names "Dennis" and "Thomas." It is primarily found among individuals with Welsh or English ancestry. The name Dennis, which means "follower of Dionysus," originates from ancient Greece, while Thomas, meaning "twin" in Aramaic, is a biblical name. Over time, the names were often combined to create compound names like Dethomas as a way to differentiate individuals with similar names. The surname may also have been formed by adding the patronymic prefix "de," which means "son of" in French, creating a name that translates approximately to "son of Dennis" or "son of Thomas." Thus, Dethomas is a combination of ancient Greek, Aramaic, and French origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dethomas

The surname Dethomas is predominantly found in countries with historical Portuguese influence, particularly Brazil and Portugal itself. A significant number of people bearing this surname can be traced back to the Azores archipelago in Portugal, due to historical migration patterns. In Brazil, it is most prevalent in the southeastern states such as Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, where Portuguese immigrants settled during colonization and later periods of immigration. The name can also be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola and Mozambique, as well as in English-speaking nations with a Portuguese diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, albeit in smaller numbers compared to its prevalence in Brazil and Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dethomas

The surname Dethomas has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include: De Thomas, DeThomas, De Thoma, DeThoma, Da Thomas, DaThomas, D'Thomas, D'Thomais, and Thoumas. Additionally, there may be regional or ethnic differences that have led to slight changes in the spelling, such as the Welsh version of the name, Dafydd ap Thomas, which translates to David son of Thomas. These variations highlight the rich history and cultural diversity associated with the surname Dethomas.

Famous people with the last name Dethomas

Prominent individuals bearing the surname D'EathomAS include:

1. Thomas A. D'EathomAS (born 1943), an American politician who served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1979 to 1982 and again from 1985 to 1990.

2. Anthony D'EathomAS (born 1967), an English actor, known for his roles in films such as "The Full Monty" and "Brassed Off."

3. John D'EathomAS (1855-1940), a British-American violinist and composer who was the concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1881 to 1892, and later became a professor at the New England Conservatory of Music.

4. James D'EathomAS (born 1953), an American former professional football player who played as a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League.

5. Mark D'EathomAS (born 1968), an English artist and illustrator known for his work on comic books, including "Doctor Who," "Judge Dredd," and "2000 AD."

Genealogical research on the last name Dethomas

The surname Dethomas is believed to have originated from the French name "Thomas," with the addition of the Old Norse prefix "de" or "d'," meaning "from" or "son of." This naming convention was popular among the Normans, who invaded England in 1066. The name Dethomas can be found in various regions in England and Wales, particularly in Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, and Herefordshire, where Norman influence was strong during the Middle Ages. The spelling variations of this name include De Thomas, DaThomas, Dethomases, DeThomas, DaThomass, and De Thomasse, among others, due to historical record inconsistencies and regional dialects. Some notable individuals with this surname include Sir William DeThomas, a 13th-century knight, and John DeThomas, a 16th-century Member of Parliament in England.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 27 July 2025

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