Thomson is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Tóma" which means "twin". It was originally given to one of two sons born at the same time. The name became popular in Scotland during the Middle Ages and has since spread throughout the English-speaking world.
The first recorded spelling of the family name Thomson is believed to be from the mid-13th century, when a John Thomson witnessed a charter in Berwickshire, Scotland. Over time, the name has taken on various spellings, such as Tomson, Thomsen, and Thompson.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the Thomson surname. In Scotland, they were known for their skills as weavers and merchants. One of the most famous members of the clan was Patrick Thomson, who served as a colonel in the Scottish regiment during the American War of Independence.
In more recent times, the Thomson name has become associated with various fields such as science, literature, and entertainment. For example, Thomas Alva Edison, one of the greatest inventors in history, was born as Thomas Alva Thomson before his family changed their surname to Edison. Additionally, James Thomson, a Scottish poet who lived during the 18th century, is considered one of the most important figures in English literature.
Today, Thomson remains a popular surname around the world, with many people carrying on its proud history and traditions. Despite its origins as a Scottish clan name, it has since become a truly international family name.
Based on the statistics provided, Thomson appears to have been a relatively uncommon first name in the United States over the past eight decades. The annual number of births with this name has varied greatly, from as low as five births in certain years to as high as fifteen births in recent times.
The name's popularity seems to have been somewhat cyclical, with several peaks occurring throughout the period covered by these statistics. One notable peak occurred between 1982 and 1987, during which there were six or more Thomson babies born each year. Another significant peak took place around the turn of the millennium, with ten births in 2000 and eight births in both 2001 and 2003.
More recently, the name's popularity has increased again, with fifteen births recorded in 2016, followed by five or six births each year from 2017 to 2023. This suggests that Thomson may be experiencing a resurgence as a popular baby name choice among American parents today.
Overall, while Thomson may not have been one of the most common names on this list, its fluctuating popularity over time demonstrates its enduring appeal for some parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.