Thomas

The Thomas surname is derived from the biblical given name 'Thomas', which comes from the Aramaic name 'Ta'oma' meaning 'twin'. The name gained popularity due to its association with the Apostle Thomas, also known as 'Doubting Thomas', who played a significant role in Christian tradition.

Like most Welsh surnames, Thomas came into use as a patronymic which evolved into a fixed surname upon the adoption of English laws. The surname Thomas was first found in Breconshire, a traditional county consisting of the Brecon mountains in southern Wales.

In Wales, the surname Thomas is most commonly found in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, in the Southwest.

In the US, the surname Thomas is most commonly found in -

1. Missouri

2. Washington

3. Pennsylvania

4. Virginia

5. California

- Arthur L. Thomas - Governor of Utah in the 1880s

- Norman Thomas - Orator, Author and Presidential Candidate