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Origins of the Thomas surname

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What does the name Thomas mean?

The origin of the Thomas surname is varied and it has arisen independently in a number of different locations. Thomas is the twelfth most popular surname in the United States, and third most common name in France, though also is widely found in the rest of the English-speaking world (particularly in Wales and Cornwall). Thomas has biblical origins, as one of the disciples of Jesus Christ, but also has patronymic roots as 'the son of Thomas'.

Alternative variations of the name Thomas

Thomas, Tomas, Thoms, Thomass, Toms

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Where do most Thomases live?

In 1921, most Thomases lived in South West.


Census records trace your ancestors through each generation, so you can follow where your relatives lived through each decade.

Interesting facts about Thomases

How common is your surname?

9th most common surname in the UK

We have 1,290,000 records for the Thomas surname. The oldest one dates back to 1100.

Who were Thomases most likely to marry?

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Thomases.

What are the most common Thomas first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Thomas family members

Common jobs for Thomases

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Common Female occupations for Thomases in 1921
Dressmaker

7,150

General Servant Domestic

3,554

House Servant

3,522

Domestic Servant

3,342

General Servant

3,140

Common Male occupations for Thomases in 1921
Coal Miner

10,510

Farmer

7,812

Coal Miner Hewer

5,656

Carpenter

3,783

General Labourer

3,734

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We found over 790,000 family trees with the Thomas surname

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