All about the name

Thomson

Male

« Thomson is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic name Tóma, meaning "twin". It was originally given to one of two sons born at the same time. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Thomson is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Tóma" which means "twin". It was originally given to one of two sons born at the same time. The name became popular in Scotland during the Middle Ages and has since spread throughout the English-speaking world. The first recorded spelling of the family name Thomson is believed to be from the mid-13th century, when a John Thomson witnessed a charter in Berwickshire, Scotland. Over time, the name has taken on various spellings, such as Tomson, Thomsen, and Thompson. Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the Thomson surname. In Scotland, they were known for their skills as weavers and merchants. One of the most famous members of the clan was Patrick Thomson, who served as a colonel in the Scottish regiment during the American War of Independence. In more recent times, the Thomson name has become associated with various fields such as science, literature, and entertainment. For example, Thomas Alva Edison, one of the greatest inventors in history, was born as Thomas Alva Thomson before his family changed their surname to Edison. Additionally, James Thomson, a Scottish poet who lived during the 18th century, is considered one of the most important figures in English literature. Today, Thomson remains a popular surname around the world, with many people carrying on its proud history and traditions. Despite its origins as a Scottish clan name, it has since become a truly international family name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Thomson since 1880

Total births
240
Total since 1880
Peak year
2016
15 births
in 2023
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-50%
vs previous 5 years