Tom

Tom is a surname originating from Britain, derived from the given name Thomas, which means "twin" in Aramaic. As a common name, Tom is associated with being an Anglicised form of the name Tomás.

Origin

The surname Tom is of patronymic origin, meaning it is derived from the first name of an ancestor. In this case, the surname Tom indicates "son of Thomas". The name Thomas itself has biblical roots and has been a popular name in Britain for centuries.

Distribution

The surname Tom is most commonly found in England, Wales, and Scotland, with a lesser presence in Northern Ireland. Over time, the surname has spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and settlement.

Notable Individuals

  • George Tom (1880-1953): British novelist known for his works set in rural England.
  • Eleanor Tom: Contemporary British artist renowned for her abstract paintings.

Variants

Variants of the surname Tom include Toms and Tomlin. These variations developed due to regional accents, dialectal variations, and the evolution of language over time.

Legacy

The surname Tom holds significance in British history and culture, representing familial lineages and connections. It serves as a link to the past, reflecting the enduring traditions and heritage of the British Isles.

There are approximately 682 people named Tom in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,881st most common surname in Britain. Around ten in a million people in Britain are named Tom.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • Graham
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Sam
  • Stan
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Audrey
  • Camilla
  • Christina
  • Deborah
  • Kay
  • Laura
  • Louisa
  • Lynn
  • Sona
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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