Thompson

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ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Originally English, Thompson is one of those names considered patronymic meaning it is based on the name of one's father. In the broader sense, a patronymic name can be based on the name of the family's founding father or one who was instrumental in the identity of the family's lineage. Although Thompson is very common throughout Britain, it is most common in the areas of northern England and northern Ireland. It is also believed to be an Americanized form of the name Thomsen. ^[1]

POPULARITY

According to the Social Security Administration, Thompson only appeared once in top 1000 names in popularity in last 100 years. Technically, it was in 1907 and it was actually the 1083rd most popular name in the country. However, Thompson did have a presence of sorts in the 19th Century. Prior to 1907, Thompson only ranked close to 1000 in 1889 when it came in at 1043rd, 1896 at 974th, 1985 at 867th and 1882 at 1081st. As is the case with many family and patronymic names, parents sometimes use family surnames as first names in order to preserve them – especially in marriage situations where the woman loses her maiden name to her husband’s. (NOTE: Social Security Administration records are only available until 1880.)

FACTS

• Thompson is the name of a variety of of sub-machine gun first introduced around 1919. It was "named for U.S. Gen. John T. Thompson (1860-1940), who conceived it and whose company financed it." It became commonly known as the "Tommy Gun" and was infamous during the 1920s and 1930s for its use by criminal gangs including the one run by "Machine Gun Kelly" ^[1]

NAMESAKES

• Thompson, Manitoba Canada is located north of Manitoba proper and also north of Winnipeg. It was planned and built by John F. Thompson of the International Nickel Company in 1956. ^[1]
• Thompson River is a major tributary of the Fraser River in southern British Columbia, Canada. Although named for David Thompson, much of his exploration of its upper course has been discredited. It was explored by Simon Fraser in 1808. ^[1]

FAMOUS PERSONS

• Hunter S. Thompson (1937 - 2005) (surname) was a widely-read and controversial writer known for what he called "Gonzo" journalism. His unabashedly alcohol and drug-induced lifestyle and writing gave him a strong cult following. His book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" was later made into a motion picture starring Johnny Depp. He committed suicide in 2005 and later, based on his own instructions, had his ashes shot out of a cannon during his memorial ceremony.
• Emma Thompson (b. 1959) (surname), is an Academy, Emmy and Golden Globe English motion picture actress, comedienne and screenwriter. She has starred in movies as wide ranging as the "Harry Potter" series and Merchant Ivory productions. ^[1]

Author: Mike Szimanski

NOTES