Thomas is a popular male given name of Aramaic origin. It means "twin" in the Aramaic language, which was widely spoken during biblical times. The name Thomas is also associated with Saint Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, who doubted Christ's resurrection until he saw the wounds from his crucifixion.
The name Thomas has been used throughout history and across many cultures. It was popular among early Christians due to its association with Saint Thomas. In the Middle Ages, it was common in Europe, particularly in England where it was often spelled Tomas or Tommas. Today, Thomas remains a popular choice for parents naming their sons, ranking among the top 50 names in several countries.
In literature and art, Thomas has been used as a character name numerous times. Some notable examples include Thomas Hardy, an English novelist and poet who wrote about rural life in Wessex; Thomas Mann, a German novelist known for his epic novel "The Magic Mountain"; and Thomas Eakins, an American painter famous for his realistic depictions of people and animals.
Overall, the name Thomas has a rich history and cultural significance. Its meaning as "twin" adds a unique twist to its interpretation, while its association with Saint Thomas gives it religious connotations. Despite these varied aspects, Thomas remains a strong and classic choice for baby boys, enduring in popularity over centuries.
The name Thomas has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century. Between 1880 and 2023, there were a total of 8499 babies named Thomas born in the US.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that the popularity of the name Thomas fluctuated significantly throughout this period. In the late 19th century, around 7 to 16 boys were named Thomas each year. However, starting from the early 20th century, there was a notable increase in its usage.
In fact, between 1912 and 1930, over 80 babies were named Thomas annually on average. The name reached its peak popularity during this period, with 143 births in 1928 being the highest recorded number of boys named Thomas in a single year.
After World War II, the name Thomas continued to be popular but started to decline gradually. From the 1950s onwards, around 70 to 130 babies were named Thomas each year. This trend continued until the late 1980s when there was another notable surge in popularity.
Between 1983 and 1989, over 110 babies were named Thomas annually on average. However, since then, the usage of the name has decreased significantly. In recent years, only around 5 to 17 babies are named Thomas each year in the US.
Despite this decline, the name Thomas remains a classic and timeless choice for parents, with a rich history of usage spanning over a century.