Last Name Tomas

The surname "Tomas" has multiple origins and can be found in different cultures and languages. Here are a few possible origins: 1. Spanish: In Spanish, "Tomas" is a variant of the given name "Tomás," which is the equivalent of the English name "Thomas." This surname originated from the medieval given name "Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "Ta'oma," meaning "twin" or "the twin." 2. Portuguese: Similarly, in Portuguese, "Tomas" is a variant of the given name "Tomás," also derived from the name "Thomas." Portuguese surnames often have patronymic origins, meaning "Tomas" could have been passed down as a surname from an ancestor named "Tomás." 3. Filipino: In the Philippines, the surname "Tomas" is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the given name "Tomás" and was often adopted during the Spanish colonial period when Filipinos were assigned surnames. 4. Maltese: In Malta, "Tomas" is a Maltese-language surname derived from the given name "Tommaso," which is the Italian form of "Thomas." Malta has a strong Italian influence due to its geographical proximity to Italy. Remember, surnames can have multiple origins and may differ among individuals and families. It's always best to research specific family histories and consult relevant records for accurate information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tomas

The meaning and origin of the last name Tomas

The surname Tomas is of biblical origin and is derived from the Aramaic given name "Thomas," meaning "twin." The name gained popularity due to its association with one of the twelve apostles, Saint Thomas, who is famously known as "Doubting Thomas" because of his initial skepticism about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The surname Tomas was first recorded in Spain during the medieval period, then spreading to other European countries through migration and trade. The name's popularity can also be attributed to the veneration of Saint Thomas throughout Christianity, resulting in its adoption by various communities, particularly in regions with Spanish and Portuguese influence. Over time, variations of the surname emerged, including Tomás, Tomasi, Tomaszewski, and Thompson, as the name migrated to different parts of the world through colonization and immigration. Today, the surname Tomas can be found globally, with notable bearers in various fields, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the name's biblical origin and historical significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tomas

The last name "Tomas" has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, with significant concentrations in multiple regions around the world. It is a common surname in various Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and the Philippines. In Spain, Tomas is particularly prevalent in regions such as Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Additionally, due to historical Spanish colonization, the surname can also be found in countries with a significant Spanish influence, such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Outside of Spanish-speaking regions, the last name Tomas can also be found in other countries across Europe, particularly in Croatia and Serbia. This is attributed to the influence of Slavic languages and historical migrations within the region. Furthermore, Tomas is not limited to Europe and Latin America; it can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to immigration and diaspora populations. Overall, the surname Tomas has a diverse geographical distribution and can be found in various countries across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tomas

The last name "Tomas" is a fairly common surname that can be found in various cultures across the world. It has Spanish roots and is derived from the given name "Thomas," which means "twin" in Aramaic. Due to its widespread use, it has been adapted and spelled differently in different regions and languages, leading to a variety of variations. Some common variations of the last name "Tomas" include Thomas, Tomás, Tomasz, Tomasso, Tomàs, Tomescu, Tomasi, Thomason, Thomassen, and Thomaz. These variations can be found in countries with Spanish, English, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, and Romanian influences, among others. Each variant may have slight changes in spelling or pronunciation, yet they all ultimately stem from the same origin. The diverse range of variations represents the global diffusion and adaptation of the name "Tomas" throughout history and the influence of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Famous people with the last name Tomas

Juan Carlos Tomas is a renowned Spanish professional football player. He has gained immense recognition for his remarkable skills and contributions to the sport. Tomas Rosicky, a Czech former footballer, is widely known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and successful career playing for top clubs like Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. Another notable individual is Carlos Tomas Vives, a Colombian singer, actor, and entrepreneur. Vives has achieved international fame for his fusion of traditional Colombian music with popular genres, making him a prominent figure in Latin music. On the artistic front, Juan Tomas Martínez, commonly known as J. Tomas Martínez, is a contemporary Spanish painter celebrated for his vibrant and abstract artwork. His unique style and imaginative use of colors have garnered him critical acclaim and exhibitions around the world. These famous individuals with the last name Tomas have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on society.

Genealogical research on the last name Tomas

The surname Tomas has its origin in Spain and Portugal. It is derived from the given name Thomas, which is of biblical origin and means "twin" in Aramaic. The name gained popularity in Europe during the medieval period due to the influence of the Crusades and the veneration of the apostle Thomas. Over time, various branches of the Tomas family emerged and spread throughout different regions.

In conducting genealogical research on the surname Tomas, several notable individuals bearing this name can be identified. Historically, the Tomas family has been associated with diverse professions, including farming, trade, and clergy. Through records and documentation, it is possible to trace the lineage of different Tomas families across generations, unveiling their connections and migrations to various countries.

Today, the surname Tomas is found worldwide, especially in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. It has not only retained its historical significance but also diversified as families have migrated and intermarried. Exploring the genealogical roots of the Tomas name can provide valuable insights into ancestral connections and the family's historical trajectory.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tomas"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 11 April 2025

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