Show ContentsThomas History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The roots of the surname Thomas lie in the rugged landscape of Wales. Thomas was a popular Medieval given throughout Europe, coming from the popular biblical name. It is ultimately derived from the Aramaic personal name meaning "twin." Prior to the Norman Conquest, this name was rarely found, but by the 13th and 14th centuries, it became extremely common in Britain.

Early Origins of the Thomas family

The surname Thomas was first found in Breconshire (Welsh: Sir Frycheiniog), a traditional county in southern Wales, which takes its name from the Welsh kingdom of Brycheiniog (5th-10th centuries), where the family claims descendance from Owen Glendower, Lord of Glyndwyrdwy, Prince of South Wales.

Early History of the Thomas family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thomas research. Another 97 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1613, 1633, 1654, 1656, 1665, 1677, 1683, 1689 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Thomas History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thomas Spelling Variations

Welsh surnames are relatively few in number, but they have an inordinately large number of spelling variations. There are many factors that explain the preponderance of Welsh variants, but the earliest is found during the Middle Ages when Welsh surnames came into use. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, which often resulted in a single person's name being inconsistently recorded over his lifetime. The transliteration of Welsh names into English also accounts for many of the spelling variations: the unique Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh had many sounds the English language was incapable of accurately reproducing. It was also common for members of a same surname to change their names slightly, in order to signify a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations. For all of these reasons, the many spelling variations of particular Welsh names are very important. The surname Thomas has occasionally been spelled Thomas, Tomas, MacThomas, FitzThomas, Thomasett and others.

Early Notables of the Thomas family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

  • Sir William Thomas of Folkington
  • Rt. Rev. William Thomas D.D. (1613-1689), a Welsh Anglican bishop, Dean of Worcester (1665-1683), Bishop of St David's (1677-1683) and Bishop of Worcester (1683-1689)

Thomas World Ranking

In the United States, the name Thomas is the 12nd most popular surname with an estimated 773,457 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Thomas is ranked the 42nd most popular surname with an estimated 41,057 people with that name. 2 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Thomas is the 419th popular surname. 3 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Thomas as 187th with 219 people. 4 France ranks Thomas as 4th with 95,387 people. 5 Australia ranks Thomas as 13rd with 57,043 people. 6 New Zealand ranks Thomas as 26th with 5,802 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Thomas as 8th with 162,177 people. 8 Netherlands ranks Thomas as 689th with 2,710 people. 9 South Africa ranks Thomas as 203rd with 31,908 people. 10

Ireland Migration of the Thomas family to Ireland

Some of the Thomas family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 81 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Thomas migration to the United States +

In the 1800s and 1900s, many Welsh families left for North America, in search of land, work, and freedom. Those who made the trip successfully helped contribute to the growth of industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Thomas

Thomas Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Joe and Robert Thomas, who all, who settled in Virginia in 1621
  • Mr. Nathaniel Thomas, aged 23, who arrived in Virginia in 1621 aboard the ship "Temperance" 11
  • Mr. John Thomas, aged 18, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 aboard the ship "Southampton" 11
  • Mr. Richard Thomas, aged 20, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Speedwell" 11
  • Mr. Thomas Thomas, (b. 1605), aged 30, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Safety" arriving in Virginia in 1635 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Thomas Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Matheus Thomas, who sailed for America in 1709 with his wife and daughters
  • Heinrich Thomas, who settled in America in 1709 settling in Carolina or Pennsylvania
  • Andreas Thomas, who landed in New York, NY in 1710-1714 13
  • Alexander Thomas, who settled in Virginia in 1717
  • Edwin Thomas, who settled in Nevis in 1747
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Thomas Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Amyus Thomas, who arrived in New York in 1807 13
  • Angus Thomas, aged 45, who landed in New York in 1812 13
  • Mr. William Thomas, (b. 1815), aged 21, Cornish settler departing from Falmouth aboard the ship "Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 11th May 1836 14
  • Mr. William Thomas, (b. 1800), aged 36, Cornish miner departing from Falmouth aboard the ship "Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 11th May 1836 14
  • Mr. Edward Thomas, (b. 1817), aged 20, Cornish miner departing from Falmouth aboard the ship"Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 8th May 1837 14
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Thomas Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mrs. Catherine Thomas, aged 44, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Miss Johana Thomas, aged 21, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Miss Martha Thomas, aged 19, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Austin William Thomas, who landed in Mississippi in 1902 13
  • Mr. Saul J. Thomas, aged 6, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Thomas migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Thomas Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Martin Thomas, French settler travelling to Canada for work arriving on 14th April 1673 15
  • Henry Thomas, who settled in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in 1685 16
Thomas Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. William Thomas U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelburne], Nova Scotia on October 26, 1783 was passenger number 193 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on September 28, 1783 at Staten Island, New York, USA 17
  • Mr. Samuel Thomas U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 17
  • Mr. Samuel Thomas U.E. who settled in Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 17
  • Mr. Stephen Thomas U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 17
  • Mr. Thomas Thomas U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 he became a Freeman in 1795 was a Boat Builder 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Thomas Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Ann Thomas, who arrived in Canada in 1832
  • Mrs. Thomas, aged 35, a lady, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Sarah" from Bristol, England
  • Mary Thomas, aged 21, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the schooner "Sarah" from Belfast, Ireland
  • Ester Thomas, aged 19, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the schooner "Sarah" from Belfast, Ireland
  • William Thomas, aged 32, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Cupid" in 1834
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Australia Thomas migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Thomas Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Miss Betty Thomas, (b. 1770), aged 22, English convict who was convicted in Devon, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Bellona" in July 1792, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she died in 1832 18
  • Mr. John Thomas, English convict who was convicted in Hampshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 19
  • Miss Rebecca Thomas, English convict who was convicted in Somerset, England for 7 years , transported aboard the "Britannia III" on 18th July 1798, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 20
Thomas Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Ralph Thomas, British Convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1801 21
  • Mr. Robert Thomas, Irish convict who was convicted in Kerry, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 22
  • Mr. John Thomas, British convict who was convicted in Surrey, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 23
  • Mr. William Thomas, British convict who was convicted in Wiltshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 23
  • Mr. William Thomas, British convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 23
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Thomas Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • "Miss Ann Thomas, (b. 1806), aged 22, English house maid who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for 14 years for stealing, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia" 24
  • "Miss Ann Thomas, (b. 1798), aged 30, Welsh house maid who was convicted in Glamorgan, Glamorganshire, Wales for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia" 24
  • "Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, (b. 1793), aged 35, Welsh dairy maid who was convicted in Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Wales for 14 years for shop lifting, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, listed as having 1 child aboard the ship" 24

New Zealand Thomas migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Thomas Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Thomas, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship "Bee" arriving in New Zealand in 1833 25
  • William Thomas, who landed in Korohiwa, opposite Mana, New Zealand in 1836 aboard the ship Caroline
  • Joseph Thomas, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Adelaide 26
  • George Thomas, who landed in Doubtless Bay, New Zealand in 1840
  • George Thomas, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

West Indies Thomas migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 27
Thomas Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. John Thomas, (b. 1610), aged 25, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Peter Bonaventure" arriving in Barbados and St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 28
  • Mr. David Thomas, (b. 1609), aged 26, British settler travelling aboard the ship "The Dorset" arriving in Barbados in September 1635 29
  • Mr. William Thomas, (b. 1618), aged 17, British settler travelling aboard the ship "The Dorset" arriving in Barbados in September 1635 29
  • Jo Thomas, (b. 1621), aged 14, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 30
  • Mr. Richard Thomas, (b. 1595), aged 40, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 30
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Thomas (post 1700) +

  • Donald Alan Thomas PH.D. (b. 1955), American former NASA astronaut with 4 shuttle missions and over 43 days in space 31
  • Andrew Ken Thomas (b. 1999), American football offensive tackle for the New York Giants of the National Football League
  • William James "Bill" Thomas (1931-2023), American college basketball player and coach who played and coached at Southwest Missouri State College
  • Ronald R. Thomas (1949-2023), American academic, 13th President of the University of Puget Sound (2003-2016)
  • Clarence Thomas (b. 1948), American jurist, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (1991-)
  • Charles "Charlie" Thomas (1937-2023), American singer best known for his work with The Drifters, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988
  • Frank Joseph Thomas (1929-2023), American Major League Baseball outfielder and infielder who played for seven National League (NL) teams from 1951 to 1966, three-time All-Star team member (1954, 1955, 1958)
  • James Leroy "Lee" Thomas (1936-2022), American Major League Baseball player and front-office executive, a two-time MLB All-Star
  • Earlie Bee Thomas (1945-2022), American football cornerback in the National Football League (1970-1975)
  • Jimmy Thomas (1939-2022), American soul singer and songwriter, best known as a vocalist for Ike Turner, founder of Osceola Records, in 1979
  • ... (Another 115 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Air New Zealand Flight 901
  • Mr. Walter Daniel Thomas (1910-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Whangaparoa, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; he died in the crash 32
  • Mr. Roy Pearce Thomas (d. 1979), New Zealander passenger, from Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; he died in the crash 32
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Robert F Thomas (1962-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Roslyn, New York, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 33
  • Mr. Randall Keith Thomas (1954-1985), American Sergeant from Springdale, Arkansas, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 33
Bismarck
  • Günter Thomas (1922-1941), German Matrosengefreiter who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 34
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. William Thomas (d. 1914), British Assistant Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 35
Halifax Explosion
  • Mr. George P.  Thomas (1857-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 36
  • Mr. William Charles  Thomas (1872-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 36
  • Mrs. Bertha  Thomas (1881-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who survived the Halifax Explosion (1917) but later died due to injuries 36
  • Mrs. Martha Lillian  Thomas (1895-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 36
  • Mr. Clarence S.  Thomas (1896-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 36
  • ... (Another 3 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Hillcrest Coal Mine
  • Mr. Deo Thomas (1885-1914), American Driver Boss from Washington State, United States who worked in the Hillcrest Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada and died in the mine collapse 37
Hillsborough disaster
  • David Leonard Thomas (1965-1989), English joiner who was attending the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, Yorkshire when the stand allocated area became overcrowded and 96 people were crushed in what became known as the Hillsborough disaster and he died from his injuries 38
HMS Dorsetshire
  • Emlyn Ernest Thomas (1902-1945), British Mechanician aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 39
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Harold J Thomas (b. 1918), Welsh Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Bedwellty, Monmouthshire, Wales, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 40
  • Mr. Francis J Thomas (b. 1897), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from St Helier, Channel Islands, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 40
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. W Thomas, British Leading Cook, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 41
  • Mr. Reginald Alfred Thomas, British Sergeant Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 41
  • Mr. G Thomas, British Cook, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 41
  • Mr. Dennis Thomas, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 41
  • Mr. D Thomas, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 41
  • ... (Another 3 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Joseph Thomas, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 42
  • Mr. Emrys Thomas, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 42
  • Mr. D Thomas, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 42
  • Mr. John Selwyn Thomas, British Ordnance Artificer 4th Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 42
  • Mr. John Richard Thomas, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 42
  • ... (Another 6 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Royal Oak
  • Robert Andrew Thomas (1915-1939), British Marine with the Royal Marine aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 43
North Sea Flood
  • Albert J. Thomas, British worker aboard the ferry "Princess Victoria" killed in the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953
  • Ivor J. Thomas, British traveler aboard the ferry "Princess Victoria" who survived the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953
Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie)
  • Arva Anthony Thomas (1971-1988), American Student from Detroit, Michigan, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 44
  • Jonathan Ryan Thomas (1988-1988), American Passenger from Southfield, Michigan, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 44
  • Lawanda Thomas (1967-1988), American Air Force Sergeant from Southfield, Michigan, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 44
Prince of Wales colliery
  • Mr. Augustus Thomas (b. 1855), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 45
  • Mr. David Thomas (b. 1857), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 45
  • Mr. David Thomas (b. 1841), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 45
  • Mr. William Thomas (b. 1850), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 45
  • Mr. David Thomas (b. 1854), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 45
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. David Alfred Thomas, Welsh 1st Class Passenger from Cardiff, Wales, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking by escaping in life boat 11 46
  • Mr. John Thomas, English Second Waiter from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 46
  • Mr. William Stanford Thomas, English 2nd Class Cabin Bed Steward from Walton, Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking and was recovered 46
  • Mr. George Henry Thomas, English Assistant Officers' Mess Steward from Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 46
  • Mr. Ernest Thomas, Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking and was recovered 47
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. Joseph Wakefield Thomas (d. 1912), aged 25, English Fireman/Stoker from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 48
  • Mr. John Thomas (d. 1912), aged 34, Unknown Third Class passenger from Unknown who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 48
  • Mr. Tannous John Thomas (d. 1912), aged 16, Lebanese Third Class passenger from Unknown who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 48
Senghenydd colliery
  • Mr. David Thomas (b. 1862), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. Enoch Rees Thomas (b. 1890), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. Henry Thomas (b. 1869), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. Howell Thomas (b. 1875), Welsh coal miner from Cilfynydd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. Hugh Thomas (b. 1883), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • ... (Another 13 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
SS Alcoa Puritan
  • J.W. Thomas, American First Assistant Engineer from Portland, Oregon, who was working aboard the SS Alcoa Puritan (1942) traveling from Port of Spain, Trinidad to Mobile, Alabama when it was torpedoed by U-boat U-507; he survived the sinking 49
SS Atlantic
  • Robert Thomas, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
  • Wm. Thomas, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • Mr. Robert Thomas, British crew member who was aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
  • Mr. Wm. Thomas, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
SS Caribou
  • Mr. George Albert Thomas (b. 1910), Newfoundland crew member from Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking
  • Mr. Arthur Thomas (b. 1905), British crew member from Halifax, Nova Scotia was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Stanley Horace Thomas, American Fireman Third Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 50
  • Mr. Vincent Duron Thomas, American Coxswain from California, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 50
  • Mr. Houston O'Neal Thomas, American Coxswain from Texas, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 50
  • Mr. Randall James Thomas, American Seaman First Class from West Virginia, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 50
Winter Quarters coal mine
  • Mr. Evan Davis Thomas (b. 1874), Welsh mine worker from Glamorganshire, Wales residing in Scofield, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion 51
  • Mr. Frederick Davis Thomas (b. 1880), American mine worker from Cache, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion 51
  • Mr. John Thomas, American mine worker from Scofield, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion 51
  • Mr. Joseph Parry Edwards Thomas (b. 1882), American mine worker from Cache, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion 51
  • Mr. Joseph Sanders Edwards Thomas (b. 1851), Welsh mine worker from Glamorganshire, Wales residing in Scofield, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion 51
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


The Thomas Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: I dduw bo'r diolch
Motto Translation: To God be thanks.


Suggested Readings for the name Thomas +

  • Ancestors and Kin... by Robert Walden Coggeshall.
  • The Descendants of William Thomas by Francis Marion Ammon.
  • Thomas Ancestors: A History of a Thomas Family by Mark Everett Thomas.

  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  3. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  4. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  5. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  6. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  7. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. "Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames
  10. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  11. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  12. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved October 5th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  13. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  14. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to New York 1820 - 1891 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_new_york_1820_1891.pdf
  15. Debien, Gabriel. Liste Des Engagés Pour Le Canada Au XVIIe Siècle. Vol. 6, Laval University, 1952. (Retreived 24th May 2018). Retrieved from https://lebloguedeguyperron.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/130-liste-des-contrats-dengagement-pour-la-nouvelle-france-releves-a-la-rochelle-entre-1634-et-1679/
  16. Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
  17. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bellona
  19. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  20. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/Britannia
  21. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  22. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  23. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
  24. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/competitor
  25. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  26. Shadow Time Settlers (Retrieved 5th November 2010), retrieved from http://shadowsoftime.co.nz/settlers.html
  27. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  28. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  29. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 29th September 2021. Retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  30. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  31. NASA Astronauts Homepage. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) Donald Thomas. Retrieved from http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/thomas-d.html
  32. Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
  33. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  34. Bismarck & Tirpitz Class - Crew List Bismarck. (Retrieved 2018, February 06). Retrieved from https://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/crew/bismarck_crew.html#crew_details
  35. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  36. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
  37. List Of Miners - Hillcrest Mine Disaster Data. (Retrieved 2014, June 24) . Retrieved from http://www.hillcrestminedisaster.com/data/index.php?title=List_Of_Miners
  38. Hillsborough Victims (retreived 21st March 2021). Retreived from https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/15/remembering-96-victims-hillsborough-disaster-30-years-9206566/
  39. Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
  40. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  41. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  42. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  43. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  44. Pan Am Flight 103's victims: A list of those killed 25 years ago | syracuse.com. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/pan_am_flight_103s_victims_a_list_of_those_killed_25_years_ago.html
  45. Entombed in flood and flame (retrieved 3rd August 2021). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120603025705/http://www.crosskeys.me.uk/history/prince.htm
  46. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  47. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  48. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  49. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Alcoa_Puritan_(1941) - (Retrieved 2018, February 8th)
  50. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
  51. Miners killed in Winter Quarters (retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from http://www.carbon-utgenweb.com/miners.html


Houseofnames.com on Facebook