Thompson is a patronymic surname of English and Scottish origin, meaning “son of Tom” or “son of Thomas.” The name Thomas itself is derived from the Aramaic name Ta’oma’, meaning “twin.” Thompson has been a popular surname for centuries and has spread across the English-speaking world.
Origin: The surname Thompson emerged during the Middle Ages when hereditary surnames became common in England. It was formed by adding the Old English suffix “-son” to the personal name Thomas, indicating a familial relationship.
Popularity: Thompson consistently ranks among the top 20 most common surnames in England and Scotland. In the United States, it’s typically within the top 25 most frequent surnames. As a given name, Thompson is less common but has seen occasional use, particularly as a middle name to honor family heritage.
Inspiration: The name Thompson may inspire thoughts of strength, family legacy, and connection to Anglo-Saxon heritage. Notable Thompsons include Emma Thompson (actress), Hunter S. Thompson (journalist), and Fred Thompson (actor and politician).
