Thomas, often shortened to Tom or Tommy, is a masculine given name of Aramaic origin. It means "twin" in that language. The name was borne by an early Christian martyr and is thus the name of many saints. Saint Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles according to the New Testament, was known as Doubting Thomas because he refused to believe in the resurrection unless he saw the wounds himself.
The name Thomas has been popular throughout history. In England, it was among the top ten names for boys from the 19th century until the early 20th century. It remained relatively common thereafter but never regained its former popularity. Some notable people with the name include American presidents Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Woodrow Wilson, authors Thomas Hardy and Thomas Mann, and musicians Tom Waits and Tommy Emmanuel.
The most famous bearer of this name is likely Saint Thomas Becket, an 12th-century archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered by royal agents in 1170. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is considered one of the patron saints of England. His life story has inspired numerous works of art and literature over the centuries.
In terms of its usage today, Thomas continues to be a popular choice among parents around the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it ranked as the 129th most popular name for boys in 2020. Its variants such as Tom and Tommy are also widely used.
Overall, the name Thomas carries with it a long and rich history that stretches back over centuries. With its strong biblical connections and numerous notable bearers throughout history, it is easy to see why this name remains so popular today. Whether you choose this name for your child or simply appreciate its historical significance, there's no denying that Thomas has left an indelible mark on the world.
Tomm is a unique name that has seen some fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. According to statistical data, only eight babies were named Tomm in 1959. This might seem like a low number, but it's important to consider the total birth rate in the country during that time period.
In 1959, there were approximately 3,700,000 births in the United States. So, out of all the babies born that year, only eight were named Tomm. This makes Tomm a quite distinctive name compared to other more popular choices at the time.
While the number of babies named Tomm has varied over the years, it's clear that this name has maintained its rarity and uniqueness. It's always fascinating to explore the stories behind these less common names and how they've evolved over time in different cultures and countries.
In conclusion, while only eight babies were named Tomm in 1959 out of a total of approximately 3,700,000 births in the United States that year, this unique name continues to hold its distinctive character.