Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Tomas

Tomás is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Thomas (although it is also used among the Scandinavians and Irish without the accent mark over the “a”, or in the Czechoslovakian form of Tomáš). The name Thomas comes from the New Testament, borne by one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, and one to whom Christ appeared after his resurrection. “Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came…But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’” [John 20:24]. Eight days later Jesus appeared directly to Thomas himself; this time, Thomas believed. However, he was henceforth referred to as “Doubting Thomas” since he had to be convinced in Jesus’ resurrection. Who can blame the guy? It was this “doubting” quality that humanized the Biblical character and popularized the name in Christendom. Thomas comes from the Greek “Didymus” (from the Aramaic Ta’oma) which means “twin”. Thomas was mainly used by priests until Western Europeans were exposed to it during the Crusades. Since the Middle Ages Thomas has been a perennial favorite among Europeans of all ethnic persuasions. Tomás is quite popular in the South American countries of Argentina, Brazil and Chile; but it is also used with consistency in Catalonia, Spain and Portugal. You’ll also find this name popular in the Slavic nations of Czech Republic and Slovakia; as well as moderately popular in Nordic countries (Iceland, Norway, Sweden). What’s most surprising to us is that the Irish use Tomas (without the “h”) rather than the traditionally spelled English Thomas. Tomas is definitely a multi-cultural spelling!

All About the Baby Name – Tomas

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME TOMAS

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME TOMAS

Usage of Tomás in America is largely owed to Hispanic-Americans. The name dates back to at least the late 19th century in the United States (as far back as we have available data). If you look at the graph below you’ll find that Tomás has been a consistent, yet moderate, favorite in America. The name has retreated a little in the 21st century as second and third generation Spanish-speaking Americans begin to embrace naming styles at large rather than finding inspiration in their own mother tongue. The main difference between Thomas and Tomás is where the accented syllable resides. Tomás has the accent on the last syllable leaving us with a more energetic and upbeat ending. For obvious reasons, Tomas is a great choice for one of your “twins”!

Quick Facts

ON TOMAS

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Spanish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

689

PRONUNCIATION:

tә-MAHS

SIMPLE MEANING:

Twin

Characteristics

OF TOMAS

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Tomas

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME TOMAS

Tomas is a main character in Milan Kundera’s 1984 novel, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, which was also made into a 1988 film with Daniel Day-Lewis as Tomas. He is a renowned Czechoslovakian surgeon, a member of the intelligentsia who are targeted by the Soviets in their 1968 invasion of the country, the Prague Spring. Tomas has a wife and a mistress and is very comfortable with this situation. A compulsive womanizer, he really loves only Tereza, his wife, but finds it necessary to be with numerous other women on a sexual basis. When the Russian invasion drives Tomas and Tereza to Zurich, she returns to Prague, unable to bear her homesickness as well as his infidelities. Stricken, Tomas follows her back and runs afoul of the Russian regime, losing his license to practice medicine. Eventually, Tomas and Tereza move to the countryside and take refuge together on the land among the animals. It is here that Tomas finally experiences the true (and bearable) lightness of being – the simplicity of a love and life lived fully and faithfully, if only fleetingly.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME TOMAS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Tomas


Popular Songs

ON TOMAS

Tereza and Tomas
a song by Bright Eyes

Famous People

NAMED TOMAS

Tomáš Berdych (Czech tennis player)
Tomáš Šmíd (Czech tennis player)
Tomás Carbonell (Spanish tennis player)
Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (Czech politician/philosopher)
Tomáš Enge (Czech car racer)
Tomáš Vokoun (Czech ice hockey player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED TOMAS

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Tomas

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME TOMAS

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Tomas