Thomas (English)

Where does "Thomas" come from?

The name Thomas originates from the Aramaic word 'תאומא' or 'תאמא', which means 'twin'[1][4][5][6]. This term was adopted into Ancient Greek as 'Θωμᾶς' to identify one of the twelve apostles[1][2]. The name eventually entered Latin as 'Thōmās'[1][3], passing through Middle English before becoming the modern English given name Thomas[1]. Since the Middle Ages, the name has been popular, notably referencing the Apostle known for his doubt[1]. The name has also gained a secondary sense as a label for an 'infidel or doubter' because of this biblical association[1].

Open questions

The derivation from the Aramaic root for twin is based on historical linguistic consensus rather than an absolute singular attestation. [1] [6]

Full etymology tree

Thomas (English), 'An Apostle, best remembered for doubting the resurrection of Jesus.'
- inherited Thomas (Middle English), 'a male given name from Aramaic'
  - borrowed Thomas (Latin), 'Thomas the Apostle.'
    - derived Θωμᾶς (Thōmâs) (Ancient Greek), 'Thomas'
      - borrowed תאומא (t'ōmā) (Aramaic), 'Twin'
        borrowed תאום (t'ôm) (Biblical Hebrew)

Ancestors

Thomas (Middle English)
Thomas (Latin)
Θωμᾶς (Ancient Greek)
תאומא (Aramaic)

Descendants and derived words

doubting Thomas (English)
Gilchrist-Thomas process (English)
Saint Thomas (English)
St Thomas (English)
St. Thomas (English)
St. Thomas bean (English)
Thomas Chapel (English)
Thomas County (English)
Thomas-Gilchrist process (English)
Thomas Jefferson (English)
Thomas meal (English)
Thomas test (English)

Sources

Updated August 2026

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Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris