Tomas History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

Wales

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

(226)

The roots of the surname Tomas lie in the rugged landscape of Wales. Tomas 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 Tomas family

The surname Tomas 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 Tomas family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tomas 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 Tomas History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tomas Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Tomas has seen various spelling variations: Thomas, Tomas, MacThomas, FitzThomas, Thomasett and others.

Early Notables of the Tomas 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...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tomas Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tomas Ranking

In the United States, the name Tomas is the 7,116^th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 1 However, in France, the name Tomas is ranked the 3,505^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,000 - 2,500 people with that name. 2

Migration of the Tomas family to Ireland

Some of the Tomas 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.

Tomas migration to the United States +

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Tomas:

Tomas Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Mr. Tho Tomas, aged 20, who arrived in Virginia aboard the ship "Primrose" in 1635 3

Tomas Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Hans Willem Tomas, who landed in New York in 1709 4
Johan Tomas, who landed in New York in 1709 4
Mattys Tomas, who landed in New York in 1709 4
Benedict Tomas, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1737 4
Adam Tomas, who settled in Philadelphia in 1747
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Tomas Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

G ines Tomas, who arrived in Puerto Rico in 1803 4
J B Tomas, aged 26, who arrived in New Orleans, La in 1835 4
Francisco Tomas, who landed in New Spain in 1838 4
Fermin De Tomas, who arrived in Puerto Rico in 1845 4
M S Tomas, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851 4
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Tomas migration to Australia +

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

Tomas Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Samuel Tomas, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Buckinghamshire" in 1839 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Tomas (post 1700) +

Irene A. Tomas, American Republican politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Illinois 4th District, 1936 6
Tomás Navarro Tomás, Spanish philologist and linguist
George Tomas Gahan JP (1912-1980), Australian politician and Victorian amateur boxer, Mayor of Prahan, Victoria, 1965-1966, 1970-1971
Nicholas Tomas Leyva (b. 1953), American third base coach of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Angel Tomas Cordero Jr., Puerto Rican jockey who has had 6674 career victories and lifetime earnings of $150 million
Tomas Cerny (b. 1985), Czech retired professional footballer
Tomas Jörgen Fischer (1940-2022), Swedish book publisher and businessman
Tomas Svoboda (b. 1985), Czech professional triathlete and aquathlete. He won gold at the 2015 ETU European Aquathlon Championships, two time UIPM biathle World Champion (2013, 2017)
Tomas Svoboda (b. 1987), Czech professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for Orli Znojmo of the Austrian Hockey League (EBEL)
Tomas Leandersson (1966-2021), Swedish ten-pin bowler, 2000 AMF World Cup men's champion, inducted into the International Bowling Hall of Fame

The Tomas 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.