The name Thomas is a boy's name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin". Thomas is ranked #48 on our popularity charts and is often added to lists like Bible Names for Boys and discussed in our forums with posts like "Names on NB that make you go WOW!".
From the experts:
Thomas has been one of the most commonly used classic baby names in both England and the U.S. over time, and is still firmly in the Top 100. From the original apostle and several saints, through Thomas Jefferson, Edison, Pynchon, Hanks and Cruise, Thomas is simple, straightforward and strong. And it offers more definition than names like John and James -- all that a parent with timeless taste could want. As a bonus, kids will identify with Thomas the Tank Engine.
Thomas came about because there were too many apostles named Judas; Jesus renamed one Thomas (meaning "twin") to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot and the Judas also known as Thaddeus. At first, it was used only for priests. Sir Thomas Aquinas and Thomas a Becket are two of many towering Thomases.
Thomas ranked among the U.S. Top 10 baby names pretty much through the 1960s; right now, it is still quite widely used in England and Australia.
Thomas has some noteworthy foreign versions: the multicultural Tomas, the Italian Tomasso, the Portuguese Tomaz and the Scottish nickname Tam. In Paris these days, Tom is a popular name used on its own.
Jack Black and Dennis Quaid both have sons named Thomas.
Lists containing Thomas:
- Two-Syllable Baby Names
- Names to Substitute for Nicholas
- International Variations of Thomas
- Exoticized Names
- Classic Baby Names for Boys
- Popular Bible Baby Names
- Names to Substitute for Henry
- Traditional Baby Names
- Royal Names for Boys
- Boy Names ALWAYS in the Top 1000
- Bible Names for Boys
- Disney Baby Names
- College Baby Names
- Classic Baby Names
- Boy Baby Names That End in S
- Middle Names for Boys
- Classic Celebrity Baby Names
- Top Italian Baby Names
- Popular Italian Baby Names
- English Names with International Style
- Christian Baby Names
- Gemini Baby Names
- Most Common Names for Boys
- Serious Names
- Pilgrim Names
- Middle Names
Comments
stella2007 Says:
hermioneameliastyles Says:
I know three Thomas'. One is my cousin, the second is my neighbor and education pastor at my church, and finally a boy who went to my middle school. This is also the middle name for Calum Hood. I really like this name, but sadly I can't use it because my cousin has this name. If I used it, it would just confuse my Grandma.
paulapuddephatt Says:
Love this name, classic, love Tom or the name in full
LV51sfan91 Says:
I like Thomas, Tom and Tommy. However o wish it didn't mean twin. It also has some bad associations "peeping Tom."
Impwood Says:
This is a splendid name. It has wonderful literary connections (Tom Tulliver, Tom Sawyer, etc.) and two friendly diminutives, Tom and Tommy. I can picture a Thomas of any age and in any walk of life.
ashbee Says:
Tom Hiddleston and Tom Hardy. HOT! Even Tom Hanks... getting off track! Point is, many great namesakes of all ages.
HelenSarah Says:
I like Tommo as a nickname for Thomas, like Tommo Peaceful from Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
Catastroffy Says:
If I had a child named Thomas, I would feel a bit silly explaining to him that his name meant "twin" if he wasn't one.
alchemicallypurplefairy Says:
Amazing book :)
KassemJ Says:
Thomas is one of my Absolute Favorite Names. Thomas is a fantastic name that fit any age and any man. Tommy is a also a nice nickname for when he's young and Tom is great for when he's older, but I'd personally prefer to just call him Thomas, no nickname.
Essa Says:
There must've been at least 4/5 Thomases in my school year and I know so many more but I'm from England so maybe that's it. I know young and old Thomases, literally ranging from 6 to like in their 70s/80s.
Essa Says:
The exact reason why I've only ever considered Thomas as a middle name and not a first. I do know a Thomas who goes by his full name but it's just too much of a risk to take.
alchemicallypurplefairy Says:
I know a Thomas who just goes by that. It's kind of funny because there's this woman who usually substitutes for our language arts teacher who, when taking attendance, always calls him Tom, and he gets so ticked off. She doesn't call anyone else by a shortened form of their name - just him.
helenlouise Says:
I really like Thomas but really hate Tom, which is an inevitable nickname so I guess that makes it unusable for me :(
indiefendi2 Says:
I guess it might be regional. I've met a bunch of Thomases in my life. Common surname as well.
SweetPraline Says:
I'm surprised that Thomas is supposed to be so popular because until 3 years ago I hadn't even MET a Thomas. My boyfriend is the only Thomas I know besides Thomas The Train, and I don't think he counts.
Leah3456 Says:
Timeless, handsome name.
Thomas Says:
My name is Thomas and i like being named Thomas because it sounds professional and cool at the same time.
jasminegarden Says:
I really like this name, if I had a son called Thomas I would call him by his full name so he would stand out amongst all the other Toms & Tommys :)
Addie88 Says:
Thomas is a great old classic, traditional name. Plain and simple. Tom and Tommy are both charming. To hear of a contemporary Thomas is always refreshing and brings a smile to my face.
Shishi Says:
Read Legend by Marie Lu. Just do it. :)
Elizabeth_Colleen Says:
Thomas is my younger brothers name and he likes it. My family calls him "Tommy" his friends call him "Tom" and I call him "Thomas". I absolutely adore this name
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Even though it is meant to be a common name, I just recently realised I've actually never met a person named Thomas in my life, nor Tom or Tommys either. I really love the name. It's a solid, classic name for a man and cute on little boys too! Lots of famous Thomas' too, Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Tom Brady just to name a few. It's a vintage name that is still so modern.