Thompson


Select Thomson/Thompson Surname Genealogy

This is a patronymic name meaning "son of Thomas," mainly to be found in the north of England and in Scotland.  The Scottish spelling is Thomson, the English either Thompson or Thomson.   Thompson is the more common in America. 

Why are there both Thomsons and Thompsons?  Some reckon that the original spelling of the name was Thomson.  But in some areas it was pronounced as Thompson.  So they diecided to add a "p" to the written name.  The earliest record was a John Thompson who appeared in the charters of Whitby Abbey in Yorkshire in 1349.

Select Thomson/Thompson Resources on The Internet

Select Thomson/Thompson Names

J.J. Thomson was the British physicist credited with the discovery of the electron.
Roy Thomson was the Canadian newspaper tycoon who came to London and bought The Sunday Times.
Hunter S. Thompson was the irreverent Gonzo journalist and writer, well known for his intake of mind-altering substances.
Emma Thompson is a distinguished English actress.
Daley Thompson was the British athlete who won the decathlon Olympic title twice.

Select Thomson/Thompsons Today
  • 72,000 in the UK (most numerous in Glasgow)
  • 204,000 in America (most numerous in Texas)
  • 95,000 elsewhere (most numerous in Australia)
Thomson is the #6 ranked surname in Scotland.