Boy New Testament Known
Thomas
a twin
Θωμᾶς Thōmas
Thomas (Greek: Θωμᾶς, Thōmas) means “a twin”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 12 verses across 5 books of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 6,924 children in the United States, ranking 34. Around 2,367,087 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears with Alphaeus in Acts 1.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Thomas
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 12 across 5 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Gospels
The same name elsewhere
| Country | Form | Standing | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Thomas | rank 34 · 6,924 in 2025 | Births in year |
| Argentina | TOMAS | 117,422 registrations | Births in year |
| Brazil | TOMAS | 19,651 bearers · born 1930–2010 | Living residents |
| Spain | TOMAS | 59,774 bearers · mean age 54.4 | Living residents |
| Portugal | TOMÉ | permitted | IRN approved list |
Two different questions are shown here. Rows marked births in year count children registered during a period; rows marked living residents count people of every age alive at a census. They answer different questions and are never added together.
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 6,924 | Steady |
| All-time total | 2,367,087 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 48,725 in 1952 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | CA | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Matthew 10:3 |
| Last appears | Acts 1:13 |
| Cross-references | 362 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Simon co-occurrence Appears with Simon in Acts 1.
- Judas co-occurrence Appears with Judas in Acts 1.
- Alphaeus co-occurrence Appears with Alphaeus in Acts 1.
- Matthew co-occurrence Appears with Matthew in Acts 1.
- Bartholomew co-occurrence Appears with Bartholomew in Acts 1.
- James co-occurrence Appears with James in Acts 1.
- Andrew co-occurrence Appears with Andrew in Acts 1.
Origin & meaning
θωμᾶς, -ᾶ, ὁ (Heb.: תָּאוֹם, a twin; cf. δίδυμος),
Thomas the Apostle: Mat.10:3, Mrk.3:18, Luk.6:15, Jhn.11:16 14:5 20:24-28 21:2, Act.1:13.†
(AS)
Thomas, also called Didymus, was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, known for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw him in person.
The biblical story
Thomas, also known as Didymus (meaning "twin"), was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in all four Gospels and the Book of Acts (Mat.10.3; Mrk.3.18; Luk.6.15; Jhn.11.16; 14.5; 20.24-29; 21.2; Act.1.13). Thomas is best known for his doubt about Jesus' resurrection, earning him the nickname "Doubting Thomas." When Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, Thomas was absent and refused to believe unless he could see and touch Jesus' wounds (Jhn.20.24-25). A week later, Jesus appeared again, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds. Thomas then confessed, "My Lord and my God!" (Jhn.20.26-28). Jesus praised those who believe without seeing (Jhn.20.29). Thomas also showed devotion to Jesus, willing to die with him (Jhn.11.16) and asking questions during the Last Supper (Jhn.14.5). According to tradition, Thomas later preached the gospel in India, where he was martyred. His initial doubt and later confession serve as an encouragement for believers who struggle with doubts.
Key verses
Thomas appears in 12 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus;
Matthew 10:3 -
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Mark 3:18 -
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Luke 6:15 -
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
John 11:16 -
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
John 14:5
Show all 12 references
Matthew (1)
- Matthew 10:3
Mark (1)
- Mark 3:18
Luke (1)
- Luke 6:15
John (8)
- John 11:16
- John 14:5
- John 20:24
- John 20:26
- John 20:27
- John 20:28
- John 20:29
- John 21:2
Acts (1)
- Acts 1:13
Name variants & nicknames
- Tom — nickname
- Tommy — nickname
- Tomás — Spanish & Portuguese
- Didymus — Greek 'Twin' (John 11:16)