Thompson
Thompson: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɒmp.sən/ · /ˈtɒm.sən/
Meaning and origin of Thompson
Root meaning: “McTavish”
- A British surname transferred from the given name.
Etymology
Variant of Thomson, from Tom + -son, originally meaning "son of Thomas". In some instances of people so named, a calque of Scottish Gaelic MacTamhais (“McTavish”); also an anglicisation of the Gaelic name MacTamhais, meaning "son of Thomas".
How popular is Thompson?
Since 1880, 23 girls and 2,725 boys in the U.S. have been named Thompson (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #12149 in 2022. Its highest rank for boys was #742 in 1887. In 2025, 64 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Thompson
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Thompson
Sister and brother names that share Thompson's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Thompson FAQ
What does the name Thompson mean?
Thompson traces back to a root meaning "McTavish". A British surname transferred from the given name. Variant of Thomson, from Tom + -son, originally meaning "son of Thomas". In some instances of people so named, a calque of Scottish Gaelic MacTamhais (“McTavish”); also an anglicisation of the Gaelic name MacTamhais, meaning "son of Thomas".
What is the origin of the name Thompson?
Thompson is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Thompson?
Since 1880, 23 girls and 2,725 boys in the U.S. have been named Thompson (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #12149 in 2022. Its highest rank for boys was #742 in 1887. In 2025, 64 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Thompson a boy or girl name?
Thompson is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 23 girls and 2,725 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.