Thomas
Thomas: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɒm.əs/ · /ˈtɑ.məs/
Meaning and origin of Thomas
Root meaning: “twin”
- A male given name from Aramaic of biblical origin, popular since the 13th century.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English Thomas, from Latin Thōmās m (as in the Vulgate), from Ancient Greek Θωμᾶς m (Thōmâs), the Biblical Greek transcription of Aramaic תאומא or תאמא (“twin”), the nickname of one of the Twelve Apostles. In the gospel of John (11:16, 20:24), the Aramaic nickname is also translated into Greek, as δίδυμος m (dídumos). Used as a given name since the Middle Ages, e.g. Thomas the Presbyter (7th century), Thomas the Slav (8th century), Thomas of Bayeux (died 1100). (infidel or doubter): In reference to the doubting Apostle.
How popular is Thomas?
Since 1880, 8,511 girls and 2,358,576 boys in the U.S. have been named Thomas (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #535 in 1881. Its highest rank for boys was #8 in 1880. In 2025 it ranked #34 for boys, with 6,924 babies given the name.
Names similar to Thomas
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Aramaic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Thomas
Sister and brother names that share Thomas's Aramaic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Thomas FAQ
What does the name Thomas mean?
Thomas traces back to a root meaning "twin". A male given name from Aramaic of biblical origin, popular since the 13th century. Inherited from Middle English Thomas, from Latin Thōmās m (as in the Vulgate), from Ancient Greek Θωμᾶς m (Thōmâs), the Biblical Greek transcription of Aramaic תאומא or תאמא (“twin”), the nickname of one of the Twelve Apostles. In the gospel of John (11:16, 20:24), the Aramaic nickname is also translated into Greek, as δίδυμος m (dídumos). Used as a given name since the Middle Ages, e.g. Thomas the Presbyter (7th century), Thomas the Slav (8th century), Thomas of Bayeux (died 1100). (infidel or doubter): In reference to the doubting Apostle.
What is the origin of the name Thomas?
Thomas is listed as a name of Aramaic origin.
How popular is the name Thomas?
Since 1880, 8,511 girls and 2,358,576 boys in the U.S. have been named Thomas (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #535 in 1881. Its highest rank for boys was #8 in 1880. In 2025 it ranked #34 for boys, with 6,924 babies given the name.
Is Thomas a boy or girl name?
Thomas is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 8,511 girls and 2,358,576 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.