Contents [hide]

Thomson History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Citations

Thomson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
England

The ancestors of the Thomson family lived among the Strathclyde people of the Scottish/English Borderlands. Their name is derived from the ancient personal name Thomas, meaning twin.

Early Origins of the Thomson family

The surname Thomson was first found in Ayrshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir), formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North Ayrshire, where the first listings of the name were found in the early 1300s. They include: John Thomson, "a man of low birth, but approved valour", leader of the men of Carrick in Edward Bruce's war in Ireland in 1318 and Adam Thomson who was listed as Lord of Kylnekylle, Ayrshire c. 1370-80. Closing out that century was Johannes filius Thome who was elected bailie of Aberdeen in 1398. [1]

In the 15th century, we found: "John Tomson [who] witnessed a grant in Ayr in 1401. Donald Thomson was one of an inquest to determine the rights of pasturage which the Temple lands had over the adjoining town and territory of Letter in 1461. John Thomsoun was juror on an inquest at Dunipace in 1426 (Cambus., 87), Duncan Thomsone of Auchinhampteris witnessed a bond of manrent in 1491." [1]

Just over the border in Yorkshire England, records there show Adam Thomasson and Johannes Thomasson as holding lands there at the time of the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls in 1379. [2]

Interestingly there is a record of the family far to the south and west in the parish of Tywardreath, Cornwall, England. "Treveryon-house and barton in this parish have been for many generations the property and occasional residence of the family of Thomson. This is now the property and abode of their representative H. Thomson, Esq. a captain in the Royal Cornwall Militia. Treveryon-house occupies an interesting situation, and claims something more than the mere mention of its name. In its front, it has four pillars of the Ionic order, cut from Cornish granite, of which they exhibit beautiful specimens. The front of this building displays much architectural elegance. The whole house is neat and commodious, and as a genteel residence according to its magnitude, it is deservedly to be reckoned among the abodes of gentility in this county. " [3]

Early History of the Thomson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Thomson research. Another 330 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1318, 1370, 1461, 1511, 1517, 1527, 1539, 1547, 1561, 1588, 1608, 1613, 1619, 1636, 1668, 1676, 1700, 1735, 1750, 1763, 1765, 1771, 1779, 1799, 1801, 1803, 1809, 1817, 1830, 1831, 1841, 1843, 1846, 1875 and 1884 are included under the topic Early Thomson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thomson Spelling Variations

The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Thomson has appeared as Thomson, Tomson, Tamson, Thomsoun, M'Comie and others.

Early Notables of the Thomson family

Notable amongst the family at this time was

George Thomson (c. 1619-1676), an English physician, medical writer and pamphleteer, leading figure in an attempt to create a "College of Chemical Physicians"; and Charles Poulett Thomson, 1st Baron S...
Alexander Thomson (1763-1803) was a Scottish poet, born in Edinburgh, and was an close friend of Robert Anderson (1750-1830.) Another Alexander Thomson (1817-1875), architect, known as 'Greek Thomson...

Thomson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Thomson is the 1,477^th most popular surname with an estimated 19,896 people with that name. [4] However, in Canada, the name Thomson is ranked the 186^th most popular surname with an estimated 19,560 people with that name. [5] And in Australia, the name Thomson is the 81^st popular surname with an estimated 29,666 people with that name. [6] New Zealand ranks Thomson as 45^th with 5,399 people. [7] The United Kingdom ranks Thomson as 91^st with 51,177 people. [8]

Migration of the Thomson family to Ireland

Some of the Thomson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 45 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Thomson migration to the United States +

As the persecution of Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them:

Thomson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Edward Thomson who died aboard the "Mayflower" at Cape Cod Harbor in 1620 and was liekly buried ashore
Morris Thomson, who settled in Virginia in 1626
John Thomson, who arrived in Maryland in 1634 [9]
Mr. Thomas Thomson, (b. 1617), aged 18, British settler who arrived in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Abigail" [10]
Mr. Edward Thomson, aged 24, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Transport" [11]
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thomson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Eleanore Thomson, who landed in Virginia in 1714 [9]
Anne Thomson, who landed in Virginia in 1714 [9]
Dugald Thomson, who settled in New York in 1739, with his wife and four children
Dugald Thomson, who arrived in New York in 1739 [9]

Thomson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Daniel Thomson, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1803 [9]
Hugh Thomson, aged 36, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1804 [9]
Jane Thomson, who arrived in New York, NY in 1811 [9]
Charles Thomson, aged 55, who arrived in Maryland in 1812 [9]
Janet Thomson, who arrived in America in 1822 [9]
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thomson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mrs. Sarah Thomson, aged 24, Scottish settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863

Thomson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Thomson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Ben John Thomson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Jane Thomson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Mr. Jacob Thomson U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 [12]
Mr. James Thomson U.E., (Thompson) who settled in Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 he was a member of the Penobscot Association [12]
Mr. William Thomson U.E. who settled in Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 [12]
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thomson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Andrew Thomson, who settled in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in 1801 [13]
Ann Thomson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1801
Catherine Thomson, aged 18, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Perseus" in 1834
Mary Thomson, aged 18, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Perseus" in 1834
Catherine Thomson, aged 24, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Robert Burns" in 1834
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thomson migration to Australia +

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

Thomson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Francis Thomson, English convict from Devon, who was transported aboard the "Ann" on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia [14]
Mr. William Thomson, (b. 1787), aged 26, English weaver who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1865 [15]
Mr. Wiliam Thomson, (b. 1795), aged 18, Scottish servant who was convicted in Inverary, Scotland for 14 years for breaking and entering, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
Mr. John Thomson, Scottish convict who was convicted in Edinburgh, Scotland for life, transported aboard the "Fanny" on 25th August 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
Mr. Alexander Thomson, Scottish convict who was convicted in Aberdeen, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in December 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [17]
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thomson 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:

Thomson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

A Thomson, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Blenheim
Henry Thomson, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1841
David Thomson, aged 38, a farm labourer, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
Dian Thomson, aged 35, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
David Thomson, aged 38, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Thomson 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. [18]

Thomson Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Christopher Thomson, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler traveling aboard the ship "John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 [19]
Mr. Edward Thomson, (b. 1617), aged 18, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 [20]
Mr. John Thomson, (b. 1601), aged 34, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 [20]
Mr. Robert Thomson, (b. 1613), aged 22, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 [20]
Mr. Thomas Thomson, (b. 1607), aged 28, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 [20]
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Thomson (post 1700) +

James Alexander Thomson (b. 1958), American developmental biologist
Elihu Thomson (1853-1937), engineer and inventor who was instrumental in the founding of major electrical companies in the United States, United Kingdom and France. American
Virgil Thomson (1896-1989), American composer and critic
William Marshall "Billy" Thomson (1958-2023), Scottish footballer who played over 457 matches as a goalkeeper and collected seven international caps for Scotland between 1980 and 1983
Joseph McGeachy "Joe" Thomson FRSE LLB (1948-2018), Scottish lawyer and academic, Regius Professor of Law (Glasgow) (1991–2005)
Dave Thomson (1938-2016), Scottish professional footballer
Robert William Thomson (1822-1873), Scottish engineer and inventor of the pneumatic tire
David Couper Thomson (1861-1954), Scottish newspaper proprietor
Sir Charles Wyville Thomson (1830-1882), Scottish marine biologist
Sir John Arthur Thomson (1861-1933), Scottish naturalist
... (Another 20 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Thomson family +

Empress of Ireland

Mr. Archibald Thomson, British Assistant Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking [21]

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Archibald James Thomson (1919-1941), Australian Stoker from Pemberton, Western Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [22]

HMS Hood

Mr. Hugh Thomson (b. 1920), Scottish Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [23]

HMS Royal Oak

James Thomson (1923-1939), British Boy 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [24]

SS Atlantic

Knut Thomson, Norweigian traveler who was aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking

St. Francis Dam

Mr. Howard William Thomson, American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
Mrs. Ethel Elizabeth Thomson, (nee Cochems), American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928

Citations +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
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)
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
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
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Ann voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1809 with 200 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/ann/1809
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/daphne
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
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
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