Thomas


Select Thomas Surname Genealogy

The Biblical Thomas was initially a priest's name but then emerged as a surname throughout Europe (in Italy, France, Germany and Holland, as well as in England).  In England, the name became popular after the martyrdom of St. Thomas a Becket.

Thomas first appeared as a surname in Wiltshire in 1275.  Its usage had spread to south Wales and Cornwall by the 16th century.  A Thomas family had lived at Plas Llanmihagel near Cowbridge in Glamorgan from the 1520's.  The Thomases of Llanbradach and Ystrad Mynach date back to the 1640's.  Another Thomas family from Ysguborwen in the Rhondda valley were pioneers of the Welsh coal industry in the 19th century.

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Select Thomas Names

Samuel Thomas was one of the pioneers of the Welsh coal industry in the mid 19th century.  His son David expanded his father's commercial empire.
David Thomas, an immigrant from Wales, helped develop the iron industry in the LeHigh valley of Pennsylvania in the mid 19th century.
Dylan Thomas was the celebrated Welsh poet.
Dave Thomas from New Jersey founded and developed the Wendy fast food restaurant chain.

Select Thomas Today

  • 220,000 in the UK (most numerous in London)
  • 212,000 in America (most numerous in Texas)
  • 77,000 elsewhere (most numerous in Australia)
Thomas is the #9 ranked surname in the UK and the #14 ranked in America.