Tommie is a name of Irish origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. It is a variant spelling of the name Tommy, which is itself a diminutive form of Thomas. The name Thomas is derived from the Aramaic word "t'oma", meaning "twin". According to tradition, it was given to one of Jesus Christ's apostles who was called Judas (also known as Didymus) because he was a twin.
The name Tommie has been used throughout history, although its popularity has varied over time. In the Middle Ages, it was more commonly used for boys than girls, but in recent decades, it has become popular for both sexes. Some famous people with the name Tommie include American football player Tommie Smith and Australian actress Tommie Manderson.
Overall, Tommie is a name that carries a strong historical legacy while also being modern and versatile enough to be used for either gender. Its meaning as "twin" adds an interesting layer of symbolism to the name, although it is ultimately up to each individual what they choose to associate with their own name.
The name Tommie has been given to a varying number of babies each year in the United States over the past century and a half, with fluctuations that may reflect changing trends in naming practices.
In the late 19th century, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 20 births per year between 1880 and 1890. However, the number of babies named Tommie began to rise significantly in the early 20th century, reaching over 100 births per year by 1910.
The peak popularity of the name came during the 1940s and 1950s, with over 600 births each year between 1947 and 1958. This period coincides with a general trend towards traditional names in the United States during this time.
However, after the 1950s, the popularity of the name Tommie began to decline, with fewer than 300 births per year by the 1960s and even fewer thereafter. By the 2010s, only around 40-50 babies were named Tommie each year.
Despite this decline in recent decades, the name Tommie still holds historical significance as a traditional American name that has been passed down through generations. Its fluctuating popularity serves as an interesting snapshot of changing naming trends over time.