Thomas Surname

A Fun, Fact-Filled Look at the Meaning and Origin of the
Thomas Surname

Thomas Name Meaning

The surname Thomas has its roots in the Aramaic word t’om’a, which means “twin.” It is a patronymic surname, which means it was derived from the father’s first name. In essence, it signifies “son of Thomas,” making it similar to the surname Thomason.

The name Thomas initially began with the Greek letter “theta,” which explains the prevalent “TH” spelling in the name. St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, played a significant role in popularizing the name. He is famously known for his initial skepticism about Jesus’ resurrection, which led to the term “Doubting Thomas.”

Thomas Last Name Variations

Virtually all surnames have developed phonetic and spelling variations over many centuries in many countries. A person’s last name was often spelled however it sounded to the person recording it.

When you’re researching your branch of the Thomas family tree, you may find that your ancestors used one or more of these variations of the Thomas surname: Tahmas, Tamas, Tamase, Thamas, Thomason, Thomasson, Thomaz, Thomos, Tomaš, Tomas, Tomase, Tomash, Tomás, Tomaz, Tomose, Tomos, Tomasz, Tómas.

Thomas Last Name Origin

The use of Thomas as a surname started in Europe during the Middle Ages, following the trend of adopting biblical names. It was during this time that surnames became necessary for governments to effectively tax and govern their citizens, leading to the adoption of hereditary surnames.

The Thomas Surname in England

The Thomas surname, of Norman origin, was introduced to England and Wales during the Norman Conquest in 1066. The Normans, originally Vikings from Scandinavia, settled in Normandy, northern France, in the 10th and 11th centuries. They significantly influenced the political, cultural, and linguistic landscapes of England and Wales.

The Thomas surname first appears in historical records in the 12th-century Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire, England, where a certain Walter Fitz Thomas is mentioned. The term ‘Fitz’ is Norman French for ‘son of’, indicating that Walter was the son of a man named Thomas. In Yorkshire, the name of Robert Thomas was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls in 1297.

By the late 13th century, the Thomas surname had surfaced in Wiltshire and had spread to Devon and Cornwall by the 16th century. Cornwall, in particular, has a rich history of individuals bearing the Thomas surname, with records dating back to the 1610s. Many of these Thomases were miners, including the notable Charles Thomas, who made significant contributions to the development of the Dolcoath mine at Camborne in the early 1800s. However, due to an economic downturn in the 1850s and 1860s, many miners were compelled to look for opportunities elsewhere, with Australia being a popular destination.

The Thomas Surname in Wales

In Wales, the tradition of patronymic naming, where a person’s surname was derived from their father’s first name, was common until the 16th century. As a result, the fixed surname Thomas did not appear in Welsh records until later, with the earliest known Welsh bearer of the surname being Evan Thomas, recorded in 1583. By the time of the 1891 census, the Thomas surname had become particularly prevalent in the county of Glamorgan, where more than half of the Thomases in Wales resided, with the Rhondda valley boasting the largest concentration.

Early bearers of the Thomas surname were often affluent, with connections to the Herberts, who later became the Earls of Pembroke. A notable Thomas family from Llanelli in Carmarthenshire were copper refiners in the early 1800s, before the local copper mines were depleted.

The Thomas Surname in America

The Thomas surname has a significant presence in America. One notable figure is Captain John Thomas of Carmarthenshire, who played a pivotal role in 1688 when Parliament requested him to convey their wish for William of Orange in Holland to accept the English throne. In 1694, Captain Thomas decided to relocate to America, settling in Braintree, Massachusetts.

Pennsylvania became a popular destination for many bearing the Thomas surname from Wales. Initially, the state’s religious tolerance attracted them, particularly those who were dissenters. Later, in the 19th century, the burgeoning iron and coal industry in Pennsylvania, which mirrored that of South Wales, drew more Thomases due to the promise of higher wages.

One such individual was David Thomas, a leading ironmaster from Wales, who moved to Pennsylvania in 1839. He established the first successful anthracite iron furnace in the United States in the Lehigh Valley. His significant contribution to the industry earned him the nickname “Father Thomas.”

The Thomas Surname in Canada

In Canada, a Thomas family from Devon was prominent in the late 1700s in the early history of Newfoundland, as sea captains, merchants, and land developers. Another William Thomas, this time born in Suffolk, emigrated with his family to Toronto in 1843. He was an architect and designed some of the finely decorated Gothic Revival buildings in the city.

The Thomas Surname in Australia

In Australia, many Thomas miners from Cornwall set off for South Australia in the 1850s and 1860s. They went principally to the Moonta and Kapunda copper mines there. Some later moved to the Broken Hill mine in New South Wales, a state located on the east coast of Australia.

Thomas Surname Geography

The Thomas surname currently ranks as the 239th most common last name in the world and can be found in more than 200 countries. It’s estimated that over 2.25 million people bear the last name Thomas.

There are about 870,000 people with the last name Thomas in the United States, where it is most prevalent. The distribution within the country shows the most Thomases in Texas (9%), California (8%), and Florida (6%).

Outside the United States, about 15% of all Thomases live in either India or Tanzania. The last name is also popular in England and Wales, particularly in the Cardiff area, where Thomas is the 8th most common surname. 

Thomas Marquesses

A marquess or marchioness is a noble or honorific status that is either inherited or bestowed. It is a rank in the British peerage system, above an earl and below a duke. Historically, marquesses and marchionesses were responsible for the defense of vast border territories, which often made them powerful figures. Their heirs apparent frequently use a number of subsidiary titles, such as earl or viscount. When directly addressing a Marquess or a Marchioness, you would use “Lord” or “Lady,” respectively, followed by their surname.

The title Marquess of Willingdon was created in the Peerage of the United Kingdom on May 26, 1936, for Freeman Freeman-Thomas (1866-1941). He previously held the titles Earl of Willingdon and VIscount Ratendone (created in 1931), Viscount Willingdon (created in 1924), and Baron Willingdon (created in 1910).

Born in England, Freeman was educated at Eton College and then the University of Cambridge before entering politics. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1892 and held various positions in the Liberal government.

Freeman was appointed the 13th Governor General of Canada in 1926 and served until 1931. During his tenure, he undertook several public works projects and established the Willingdon Arts Competition. In 1931, he was appointed Viceroy and Governor-General of India, a position he held until 1936. The implementation of the Government of India Act 1935, which increased the role of Indians in government, and efforts to improve Anglo-Indian relations were notable during Freeman’s administration.

The 1st Marquess was succeeded by his son, Inigo Brassey Freeman-Thomas (1898-1979). Because Inigo had no heirs, the Marquessate of Willingdon became extinct upon his death. It was the last marquessate to be established in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.

Thomas Viscounts

A viscount or viscountess is a noble title in the British peerage system, ranking below an earl and above a baron. The title can be a hereditary peerage (the title can be passed down to an heir upon the death of the holder) or a life peerage (the title becomes extinct upon the death of the holder). When directly addressing a Viscount or a Viscountess, you would use “Lord” or “Lady,” respectively, followed by their surname.

Viscountcies held by people with the last name Thomas include:

Viscount Rhondda, of Llanwern in the County of Monmouth: Established in the Peerage of the United Kingdom on June 19, 1918, for David Alfred Thomas (1856-1918), a Welsh businessman and Liberal politician. David was involved in the coal mining and shipping industries. He was the owner of Cambrian Combine, a large mining company, and was involved in a major industrial dispute known as the Tonypandy Riots in 1910. He also formed a company that eventually became the largest shipowner in Britain. The title Viscount Rhondda, with special remainder, was passed on to his daughter, Margaret Haig Thomas (1883-1958). Margaret was a well-known suffragette who fought for women’s rights in the United Kingdom. The Viscountcy became extinct upon her death in 1958.

Viscount Cilcennin (pronounced “Kilkennin”), of Hereford in the County of Herefordshire: Established in the Peerage of the United Kingdom on January 18, 1956, for James (“Jim”) Purdon Lewes Thomas (1903-1960), a British Conservative politician. Jim began his political career as a private secretary to Stanley Baldwin, the leader of the Conservative Party, and was elected Member of Parliament for Hereford in 1931. During the Second World War, he served as a government whip and was appointed Financial Secretary to the Admiralty. After the 1951 general election, Jim was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, a position he held until 1956. In his later years, he served on the boards of several companies and as chairman of Television Wales and the West (TWW). The title Viscount Cilcennin became extinct upon his death in 1960.

Viscount Tonypandy, of Rhondda in the County of Glamorgan: Established in the Peerage of the United Kingdom on June 20, 1983, for Thomas George Thomas (1909-1997), a Welsh politician and Speaker of the House of Commons. “George” was a member of the Labour Party and served in various ministerial roles, including Secretary of State for Wales from 1968 to 1970. He was elected Speaker of the House of Commons in 1976 and held the position until 1983. George was known for his impartiality and his efforts to modernize the role of the Speaker. After his retirement from the House of Commons, he was elevated to the peerage as Viscount Tonypandy. The title became extinct upon his death in 1997.

Thomas Baronies

A baron or baroness is a noble or honorific status that is either inherited or bestowed. It refers to someone who is below a duke, marquess, earl, and viscount but above a lord and knight. “My Lord” or “Your Lordship” is used when directly addressing a baron. “My Lady” or “Your Ladyship” is used when directly addressing a baroness.

Baronies held by people with the last name Thomas include:

Baron Pontypridd, of Cardiff in the County of Glamorgan: Established in the Peerage of the United Kingdom in 1912 for Alfred Thomas (1840-1927), a Welsh Liberal Party politician. Alfred represented East Glamorganshire as an MP from 1885 until 1910. He was a key figure in implementing measures to improve Cardiff’s water supply and played a pivotal role in the decision to establish the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire in Cardiff, rather than Swansea.

Beyond his political contributions, Alfred held numerous prestigious positions. He served as a Justice of the Peace for Cardiff and Glamorgan, a Deputy Lieutenant for Glamorgan, and the inaugural President of the National Museum of Wales. He also presided over Cardiff University and was president of the Baptist Union of Wales in 1886.

Alfred chose the motto “Bit Ben Bit Bont” (Let Him Be Himself the Bridge), a phrase derived from the Mabinogion, for his peerage. He never married, and upon his death in 1927 at the age of 87, the title of Baron Pontypridd became extinct.

Thomas Baronetcies

A baronet is someone who has received a baronetcy, a hereditary title, from the British Crown. They rank below barons but above knights, with the exception of the Knights of the Garter in England and The Order of the Thistle in Scotland. Baronets are addressed as “Sir (forename),” and their wives are addressed as “Lady (surname).”

Six hereditary baronetcies have been established for individuals bearing the surname Thomas. These include three in the Baronetage of England, one in the Baronetage of Great Britain, and two in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom. These baronetcies include:

Thomas Baronetcy, of Michaelstown in the County of Glamorgan: Created for Edward Thomas (d. 1673) on March 3, 1642. Edward’s son, Robert Thomas, who served as a Member of Parliament for Cardiff, succeeded him. The title became extinct upon Robert’s death in 1685.

Thomas Baronetcy, of Folkington in the County of Sussex: Created for William Thomas (1641-1706) on July 23, 1660. William served as a Member of Parliament for Seaford and Sussex for many years. The title became extinct upon his death in 1706.

Thomas Baronetcy, of Wenvoe in the County of Glamorgan: Created for Sir John Thomas (d. 1703), who was the Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1700. John was the eldest of three sons born to William Thomas and his wife, Sarah Powell. His marriage to his distant cousin, Elizabeth Ludlow, who was 35 years his senior, was a strategic move that ensured the return of two significant estates, Wenvoe Castle and Ruperra Castle, to the Thomas family. This union, although childless, fortified the family’s position in Glamorganshire. On December 24, 1694, William Thomas was created a Baronet, a title that he would pass on to his sons. John, being the eldest, was the first to inherit the title. When he died in 1703, the Baronetcy was passed on to his brother, Edmund.

Thomas Baronetcy, of Yapton in the County of Sussex: Created for Sir George Thomas (d. 1774), who served as Governor of the British Leeward Islands and Deputy Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania. He served in the position of Governor from 1753 until 1766. Upon his return to England, he was created a baronet on September 6, 1766. He married Lydia, daughter of John King, Esq., of Antigua. The baronetcy terminated with the death of Sir George Alan Thomas, the 7th Baronet, in 1972.

Thomas Baronetcy, of Garreglwyd in the County of Anglesey: Created in 1918 for Sir Robert John Thomas (1873–1951), a Welsh businessman and Liberal Party politician. Robert was a ship and insurance broker who was twice elected to Parliament. He was first elected in the 1918 general election as the Member of Parliament for the new constituency of Wrexham. He later served as the Member of Parliament for Anglesey from 1923 to 1929. The title was succeeded by William Eustace Rhyddlad Thomas (1909-1957).

Thomas Baronetcy, of Ynyshir in the County of Glamorgan: Created in 1919 for Sir William James Thomas (1867–1945), a Welsh industrialist and philanthropist. Sir William Thomas was the grandson of a coal owner in the Rhondda Fach and became a director of the Great Western Railway, Barry Docks, and numerous other industrial concerns. He was knighted in 1914 and made substantial donations to charitable causes, particularly medical causes, including the establishment of the Welsh National School of Medicine. The title was succeeded by Sir William James Cooper Thomas, 2nd Baronet (1919–2005).

Thomases That Shaped History

George Henry Thomas: American Civil War General

George Henry Thomas (1816-1870) was a Union Army general during the American Civil War. He was born in Virginia, and his family were slaveholders of the planter class. Despite his Southern birth, Thomas chose to remain loyal to the Union. He served in important commands at the battles of Mill Springs, Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Nashville.

His leadership and ability to hold steady in the face of Confederate attacks earned him the nickname “the Rock of Chickamauga.” His defense at the Battle of Nashville marked the end of large-scale fighting in the Western Theater. After Ulysses S. Grant and William Sherman, George is considered to be one of the best Union generals by contemporary military historians.

Samuel B. Thomas: Founder of Thomas’ English Muffins

Samuel Bath Thomas (1855–1919), an English immigrant, arrived in New York City in 1874. After exploring various career paths, he discovered his true passion in the bakery business. By 1880, he had purchased his own bakery at 163 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan. It was here that he introduced his namesake muffins, a unique product that was baked on a griddle rather than in an oven. This innovative baking method resulted in the muffins’ signature texture and taste, complete with the famous “nooks and crannies” that are still a key selling point in today’s advertisements.

One of the biggest baking companies in the country, Bimbo Bakeries USA, currently owns Thomas’s English Muffins. The research firm Statista reports that 110.53 million Americans consumed Thomas’ muffins in 2020, making it the country’s most beloved English muffin.

Dylan Thomas: One of the Most Significant Poets of the 20th Century

Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) was a prolific Welsh poet and writer known for his intricate use of language and imagery. His notable poems include “Do not go gentle into that good night” and “And death shall have no dominion.” Other popular works include the radio drama “Under Milk Wood,” and the prose pieces “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” and “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog.” 

Dylan’s literary contributions primarily explore the human condition, delving into themes of life, death, and renewal. His unique approach to these themes earned him the Poets’ Corner book prize and the Foyle poetry prize. Despite his reputation as a “roistering, drunken, and doomed poet,” Dylan is often recognized as one of the most significant poets of the 20th century.

Dave Thomas: Founder of Wendy’s

Dave Thomas (1932-2002) was the founder and chief executive officer of Wendy’s, a fast food restaurant chain specializing in hamburgers. 

He started his career in the food industry at the age of 12 and later volunteered for the U.S. Army at the outbreak of the Korean War, where he was responsible for the daily meals of 2,000 soldiers. Dave opened his first Wendy’s in Columbus, Ohio, on November 15, 1969. He named the restaurant after his eight-year-old daughter, Melinda Lou, whose nickname was “Wendy.” 

Dave received the Horatio Alger Award in 1979 for his success with Wendy’s. At the time of his death, there were more than 6,000 Wendy’s restaurants operating in North America. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003.

Don Thomas: Developed Bone Marrow Transplantation

Edward Donnall Thomas (1920-2012) was an American physician and professor of medicine. He is known for his groundbreaking work in bone marrow transplantation, a life-saving procedure for patients with leukemia and other blood cancers.

In 1990, Don’s work in the field of medicine was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which he shared with Joseph E. Murray for their separate work in organ and cell transplantation. In the same year, he was also awarded the National Medal of Science, the highest scientific honor in the United States.

At the time of his death, Don’s bone marrow transplantation techniques had saved and improved the lives of thousands of patients worldwide. His procedures continue to be used and refined today.

Valerie Thomas: Inventor of the Illusion Transmitter

Valerie L. Thomas (b. 1943) is an American data scientist and inventor, best known for inventing the illusion transmitter. This device uses two parabolic mirrors to transmit 3-D illusions of an object by using a camera trained on the first mirror, which then sends video signals to a projector aimed at the second mirror. Thomas received a patent for this invention in 1980. The purpose of the illusion transmitter was to send three-dimensional images across a distance, making them appear as if they were in front of the mirror. As of 2023, NASA still uses this technology, and it is being adapted for use in surgery, as well as for televisions and video screens.

Places Named Thomas in America

• Thomas, Alabama
• Thomas, Idaho
• Thomas, Illinois
• Thomas, Indiana
• Thomas, Kentucky
• Thomas, Louisiana
• Thomas, Maryland
• Thomas, Michigan
• Thomas, New Hampshire
• Thomas, New Mexico
• Thomas, Oklahoma
• Thomas, Pennsylvania
• Thomas, South Dakota
• Thomas, Tennessee
• Thomas, Texas
• Thomas, Virginia
• Thomas, Washington
• Thomas, West Virginia

Places Named Thomas Outside America

• Thomas, Queensland, Australia
• Thomas, Aquitaine, France
• Thomas, Limousin, France
• Thomás, Argolis, Greece
• Thomas, Nord-Ouest, Haiti
• Thomas, Ouest, Haiti
• Thomas, Chikwawa, Malawi
• Thomas, North-Western, Zambia
• Thomas, Northern, Zambia

Thomas DNA Project

The Thomas DNA Project is a Y chromosome testing project hosted by FamilyTreeDNA. It is designed to find connections between Thomas family members. There are currently 575 participants.

Thomas Ancestry Resources

1. The general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales: Comprising a registry of armorial bearings from the earliest to the present time. London: Harrison.
2. “The Peerage – Index to Baronets.”
3. “Baronetage.” Leigh Rayment’s Peerage Page.
4. Thomas, Douglas Hamilton, and John Janson Thomas. Genealogical record of the family of Thomas. Baltimore, C. Harvey & co., printers, 1875. Pdf. Retrieved from the Library of Congress.
5. “Thomas Family, of Wenvoe, Glamorganshire.” Dictionary of Welsh Biography. The National Library of Wales, 1959. Web.
6. Owens, Benjamin George. “THOMAS, ALFRED, baron Pontypridd (1840 – 1927), of Bronwydd, Cardiff.” The Dictionary of Welsh Biography, The National Library of Wales and the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, 1959.
7. “Brands of English Muffins Consumed in the U.S. 2020.” Statista, Statista Research Department.