Thomas

Twin

Thomas is a boys’ name of Aramaic origin meaning “twin”. The form came through Greek, and the New Testament apostle is also called Didymos, the Greek word for “twin”. That explains the name’s biblical connection without giving it a second meaning. The same spelling is used in English, German and French, but the sound changes: British English /ˈtɒməs/, German /ˈtoːmas/ and French /tɔma/. In all three, th starts with a /t/ sound; the final s is silent in French. This is a useful distinction for a family using more than one language. Thomas has a composed, classic feel, softened by the central /m/. In English, Tom can make the everyday address brisker, while Tommy has a more affectionate sound. The full form keeps a little more space and formality.

Etymology: From an Aramaic name meaning “twin”, transmitted in the Greek form Thomas.