Thomas is a male given name of Aramaic origin that means "twin". It is believed to have been borne by the apostle Thomas, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ according to the New Testament of the Bible.
The name Thomas has been popular throughout history and has been used by many notable figures. Some famous bearers of the name include Thomas Edison, the inventor and businessman credited with developing practical electric lighting; Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States; and Thomas Hardy, the English novelist and poet known for his works set in Wessex.
The name Thomas is also associated with a number of cultural references. For example, "Tom" is often used as a familiar form of address or nickname for people named Thomas, and has been used in many popular culture references such as Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain and Tom and Jerry, the classic cartoon duo.
In terms of usage today, Thomas remains a popular choice for parents naming their sons. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was the 21st most popular boys' name in 2020. It is also used as a given name in many other countries around the world.
Overall, the name Thomas has a rich history and cultural significance, making it a popular choice for parents looking to give their son a strong, traditional name with a meaningful meaning.
The name Thos has been a consistent presence in the United States over the past century, with a total of 166 births recorded since 1881. The number of births per year has varied significantly, with peaks occurring during the early 20th century.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Thos experienced its highest popularity, with over 10 births recorded in some years. For instance, there were 14 births in 1915 and 13 births in 1914. However, the number of births then declined significantly, with fewer than 10 births per year after 1920.
Despite this decline, Thos has continued to appear occasionally in the United States birth records. For example, there were 6 births recorded in both 1926 and 1928.
Overall, while the name Thos may not have been as popular in recent decades, it has maintained a steady presence in the United States since the late 19th century.