name
Common
Thomson
TOM-suhn
Thomson (name) means a common English and Scottish surname meaning "son of Thomas", a variant spelling of Thompson. Example: “J. J. Thomson discovered the electron.”
name
1
A common English and Scottish surname meaning "son of Thomas", a variant spelling of Thompson.
"J. J. Thomson discovered the electron."
How to use Thomson
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA surname meaning "son of Thomas", spelled without the "p".
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Word forms
- Plural
- Thomsons
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
J. J. _____ discovered the electron.
Etymology
From Tom plus -son, meaning "son of Thomas"; a variant spelling of Thompson.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Thomson” mean?
The word “Thomson” means a common English and Scottish surname meaning "son of Thomas", a variant spelling of Thompson. In plain terms, a surname meaning "son of Thomas", spelled without the "p".
How do you pronounce “Thomson”?
“Thomson” is pronounced TOM-suhn (/ˈtɑm.sən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Thomson” in a sentence?
Here is “Thomson” used in a sentence: “J. J. Thomson discovered the electron.”
What part of speech is “Thomson”?
“Thomson” is a name.
Is “Thomson” a common word?
“Thomson” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between the surnames Thomson and Thompson?
Thomson and Thompson come from the same root, both meaning "son of Thomas," but Thomson drops the "p" found in Thompson. Thomson is especially associated with Scotland, while Thompson is more common in England.
Is Thomson a Scottish or an English surname?
Thomson is common in both English and Scottish naming traditions, though the spelling without the "p" is particularly associated with Scotland. Thompson, with the added "p," is more frequently found in England.
