The surname Thomas is found throughout the United Kingdom, it's origin being one of those surnames based on the first name of the father. In our name it simply means the "son of Thomas". The Thomas name became popular in both England and Wales although the name can be found in many countries. The Thomas name has always been particularly associated with South Wales.

It was only in the reign of Henry VIII (1491-1547) that surnames began to be hereditary among the gentry of Wales with the custom spreading slowly among the people. Within Wales, the personal name Thomas, has always been particularly popular and therefore, it was inevitable that it would be used in the new identification system.

As a child I was told that a lot of our family's ancestors settled in the Swain, N.Y. area and were blacksmiths by trade, with English, Irish, & Welsh being our nationality. How much of this is true I don't know as our research has not progressed this far.

Other variations, clans, of the surname Thomas

England/Scotland/Wales

THAMAS, THAME, THAMES, THOMASIN, THOMASON, THOMASSIN, THOMASSON, THOME, THOMES, THOMMES, THOMOSON, MCTHOMAS, MCTHAMAS, MACTHOMAS.

Also: Tam, Thom, Thoms, Thomson.