TOMPSON
Thompson
Thompson is a common British surname, with its origins dating back to medieval times. The surname is of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Thomas", a popular given name derived from the Aramaic name meaning "twin".
History and Origin The surname Thompson first appeared in England in the 12th century, and its variations were often used to distinguish one family branch from another. The name spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, as descendants carried it to other countries during periods of emigration.
Distribution and Frequency Today, Thompson is one of the most prevalent surnames in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. It is also common in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals The Thompson surname has been borne by numerous notable individuals throughout history. In the fields of arts and entertainment, the British musician Richard Thompson and the American actress Emma Thompson are well-known examples. Additionally, in politics, the British Conservative Party politician Emily Thornberry and the Canadian jurist Richard Thompson are prominent figures.
Variants Over the centuries, the surname Thompson has developed various spellings and forms, including Thomson, Tomson, and Thomason. These variations reflect regional dialects and changes in spelling practices over time.
In conclusion, the surname Thompson holds a significant place in British history and culture, with a rich legacy of notable individuals and widespread distribution both in the United Kingdom and worldwide.
There are approximately 360 people named Tompson in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Tompson.
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
- Christopher
- Clive
- Daniel
- David
- Geoffrey
- James
- Joel
- John
- Jonathan
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
Female
- Anne
- Barbara
- Carol
- Christine
- Cynthia
- Elizabeth
- Gillian
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
- Thomason
- Thomson
- Thomas
- Thom
- Toms
- Thomerson
- Tomkin
- Thomlinson
- Tomkinson
- Tomlinson
- Tompkins
- Taplin
- Tompsett
- Tamplin
- Tamlyn
- Thoms
- Thompson
- Thompsen
- Thomison
- Thomsen
- Thompsom
- Thompsons
- Thompso
- Thhompson
- Tampson
- Thomsson
- Timpson
- Tomsen
- Tomson
- Tomsons
- Thmpson
- Thomeson
- Thomphson
- Thompsn
- Thompsone
- Thompspon
- Thompston
- Thomso
- Thomspson
- Tomason
- Tomasson
- Tombson
- Tomeson
- Tomison
- Tomisson
- Tommason
- Tomyson
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.