Thomas is of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin". It was borne by an early Christian saint who was one of the Twelve Apostles and the author of the Gospel according to Thomas. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages in Europe due to various saints and martyrs bearing this name.
The name Thomas has been popular throughout history, appearing in many historical figures such as Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in 1170, and Thomas More, a lawyer and statesman who was executed in 1535 for refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England.
In literature, Thomas is the name of characters in works such as "Thomas the Tank Engine" by the Rev. W. Awdry, and "Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. The name has also been used in various other media, such as music (e.g., Thomas Dolby), film (e.g., Tom Cruise), and sports (e.g., Tom Brady).
Variations of the name include Tommy, Tom, Tommie, and Tommy Lee Jones' nickname "Stonewall". It is also often associated with the phrase "doubting Thomas" from the New Testament story where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, but Thomas was not present. When he heard their report, he refused to believe that Jesus had risen until he could see and touch Jesus' wounds himself. Hence, the term "Doubting Thomas" is often used to describe someone who refuses to believe something without adequate proof.
In summary, the name Thomas has a rich history dating back to biblical times, with numerous notable figures throughout history bearing this name. It is a strong, traditional name that continues to be popular today.
"Thomes was a popular name during certain periods but seems to have been less so in others, with significant fluctuations throughout the years recorded."