Thompson is an English surname and given name with a rich history and unique origins.
The name Thompson originates from the Old English words "þæm" meaning "thorn bush," and "hām" meaning "homestead." Therefore, the literal translation of Thompson is "settlement near the thorn bush." This name was likely given to individuals who lived near such settlements or had a family history associated with them.
The use of Thompson as a surname dates back to the Middle Ages in England. It was often found among families living in areas with abundant thorn bushes, particularly in southern England and Scotland. Over time, the name spread throughout Britain and eventually made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to North America with early settlers and immigrants.
Thompson has also been used as a given name since the late Middle Ages. While it was more commonly used as a surname for many centuries, it gained popularity as a first name in the 19th century, particularly among families with established Thompson ancestry. Today, Thompson is still considered an English name but can be found in various cultures around the world.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Thompson. Some examples include American poet and author Hunter S. Thompson (1937-2005), Canadian ice hockey player Thomas "Red" Kelly (1927-2015), and British playwright Tom Stoppard (b. 1937). These individuals have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Thompson, both as a surname and given name.
In summary, Thompson is an English name with Old English origins that translates to "settlement near the thorn bush." As a surname, it dates back centuries and has been adopted by many notable figures throughout history. While it was once more commonly used as a surname, Thompson has gained popularity as a given name in recent years, appealing to families with established Thompson ancestry or those simply drawn to its unique meaning and sound.
Based on the statistics provided, the popularity of the name Thompson in the United States has shown fluctuations over time. Between 1882 and 2023, there have been a total of 2623 births registered with the name Thompson.
During the early period from 1882 to 1950, the number of annual births with the name Thompson ranged between 5 and 30. The peak in this era was reached in 1951 with 30 births.
From 1951 onwards, there has been a steady increase in the popularity of the name Thompson. Between 1964 and 2023, the number of annual births with the name Thompson has ranged from 7 to 76. The highest point during this period was reached in 2018 with 76 births.
It is interesting to note that despite fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Thompson remains relatively uncommon compared to other names in the United States. This can be seen in the fact that the number of annual births with the name Thompson has never exceeded 76 since record-keeping began in 1882.