Thompson

Thompson is a surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "thorne" meaning "thorn bush." The name was originally given to someone who lived near thorn bushes or who had a profession related to them. Over time, Thompson has become a popular family name throughout the world. The first recorded instance of the surname Thompson is in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where it appears as "Thomas filius Thorne." This indicates that the name was likely brought to England by Norman settlers after the Norman Conquest in 1066. However, it's important to note that the name may also have had earlier origins in Scotland or Ireland. Thompson has been used as a given name since the late 19th century, but it remains more commonly used as a surname. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Thompson ranked #786 among boys' names in the United States in 2020. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Thompson. These include American politicians like Zachary Taylor Thompson and Richard Mentor Johnson, as well as Canadian explorer Samuel Hearne. Additionally, there are many famous figures with the given name Thompson, such as musician Thompson Square and actor Thompson J. Curry. In popular culture, Thompson has been featured in various works of literature, film, and television. For example, it is the surname of the protagonist in Hunter S. Thompson's novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," as well as that of a character in Mark Twain's short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.