name
Common
Thompson
TOMP-suhn
Thompson (name) means a common English and Scottish surname meaning "son of Thomas". Example: “The Thompson family has lived in this town for generations.”
name
1
A common English and Scottish surname meaning "son of Thomas".
"The Thompson family has lived in this town for generations."
How to use Thompson
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA surname meaning "son of Thomas".
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Word forms
- Plural
- Thompsons
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ family has lived in this town for generations.
Etymology
Formed from Tom plus -son, meaning "son of Thomas".
Frequently asked questions
What does “Thompson” mean?
The word “Thompson” means a common English and Scottish surname meaning "son of Thomas". In plain terms, a surname meaning "son of Thomas".
How do you pronounce “Thompson”?
“Thompson” is pronounced TOMP-suhn (/ˈtɑmp.sən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Thompson” in a sentence?
Here is “Thompson” used in a sentence: “The Thompson family has lived in this town for generations.”
What part of speech is “Thompson”?
“Thompson” is a name.
Is “Thompson” a common word?
“Thompson” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between Thompson and Thomson?
Both surnames mean 'son of Thomas,' but Thompson includes a 'p' while Thomson does not. Thomson without the 'p' is especially associated with Scottish families, though both spellings occur in England and Scotland.
Is Thompson used as a first name or only a surname?
Thompson is primarily an English and Scottish surname meaning 'son of Thomas.' Like many surnames, it is occasionally adopted as a given name, but its established use is as a family name.
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