Thom

Thom is a surname of British origin, derived from the personal name Thomas, which itself originated from the Aramaic word meaning "twin". The name Thomas became popular in medieval England due to the influence of St. Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred in 1170.

Distribution and Frequency

The surname Thom is relatively common in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland and in the West Country of England. It is also found in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants

Variants of the surname Thom include Thompson, Thomson, and Tomlin. These variations reflect the phonetic evolution of the name over time and its adaptation to different regional accents.

Notable Bearers

Notable bearers of the surname Thom include:

  • Dylan Thomas (1914–1953): A celebrated Welsh poet and writer.
  • Sue Thom (b. 1965): A British artist known for her contemporary abstract paintings.
  • Adam Thom (1802–1890): A Scottish lawyer and journalist who played a key role in the establishment of the Province of Manitoba, Canada.

Heraldic Arms

The Thom family crest typically features symbols such as lions, fleurs-de-lis, and crosses, reflecting the family's ancestral roots and history.

In conclusion, the surname Thom has a rich history and is associated with notable individuals across various fields. Its prevalence in diverse regions attests to its enduring legacy within the British Isles and beyond.

There are approximately 3,770 people named Thom in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,470th most common surname in Britain. Around 58 in a million people in Britain are named Thom.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • George
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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