THOMPSON
Also recorded as Thom Pson
Thompson
Thompson is a common surname of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Tom", a diminutive of Thomas. The name means "son of Thomas", indicating descent from a man named Thomas.
History and Origin
The surname Thompson can be traced back to the early Middle Ages in England, with records of its use dating as far back as the 12th century. It originally developed as a patronymic surname, denoting the son of a man named Thomas. The name Thomas itself is of biblical origin, coming from the Aramaic word for twin.
Distribution and Popularity
Thompson is a widespread surname, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is one of the most common surnames in England and Scotland. The distribution of the name can be attributed to the historical migration patterns of the British people.
Notable Individuals
The surname Thompson has been borne by numerous notable individuals throughout history, including:
- James Thompson (1700–1748), an English poet best known for his work "The Seasons".
- Emma Thompson (born 1959), a British actress and screenwriter, known for her roles in films such as "Sense and Sensibility" and "Love Actually".
- Hunter S. Thompson (1937–2005), an American journalist and author, known for his work in the field of "Gonzo" journalism.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Thompson include Thomson, Thomason, and Tomlinson. These variations can often be found in different regions or may have evolved over time through linguistic changes or regional dialects.
Legacy
The surname Thompson has a rich history and continues to be a prevalent surname in modern times. It is a reminder of the familial ties and ancestral lineage of those who bear the name, connecting them to a shared heritage and history.
In conclusion, the surname Thompson is a prominent and enduring symbol of English heritage, carrying with it a legacy of familial connections and historical significance.
There are approximately 170,076 people named Thompson in the UK. That makes it the 16th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,612 in a million people in Britain are named Thompson.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Thhompson
- Thimpson
- Thmopson
- Thmpson
- Thomason
- Thomasson
- Thomeson
- Thomison
- Thommason
- Thomoson
- Thompeson
- Thomphson
- Thompon
- Thomposn
- Thompsen
- Thompsin
- Thompsn
- Thompso
- Thompsom
- Thompsone
- Thompsons
- Thompspon
- Thompston
- Thomptson
- Thomsen
- Thomso
- Thomsom
- Thomson
- Thomspon
- Thomspson
- Thomsson
- Thomston
- Timpson
- Tomason
- Tombson
- Tomeson
- Tomison
- Tompson
- Tomsen
- Tomson
- Tomsons
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.