Tom

“Twin”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#1068US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

140.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 188300.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Tom

TAHM

/ˈtɑm/ · stress on TAHM · 1 syllable

“Twin”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Tom mean and where does it come from?

Though predominantly a male name, Tom has increasingly been adopted as a nickname for females, especially in the context of short forms for names like 'Thomasina' or 'Tomasina'. The name gained popularity in the 20th century and can be found in various cultural references. It is less common but some

Cultural significance

Tom has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of twin.

Peak popularity

Reached #861 in 1883 — currently #1068 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Tom?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Thom

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Tom?

Tom works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Tom Grace

How popular is Tom right now?

Holding steady — currently #1068 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#1068 · Top 0.79%

1895

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1068	1,132	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1073	1,112	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1078	1,082	▲ up 4749 · +17933% births
1965	#5827	6	▼ down 1895 · -45% births
1960	#3932	11	▲ up 1290 · +83% births
1955	#5222	6	▼ down 1546 · -33% births
1950	#3676	9	▼ down 743 · -10% births
1945	#2933	10	▲ up 287 · +25% births
1940	#3220	8	▼ down 905 · -38% births
1935	#2315	13	▲ up 128
1930	#2443	13	▼ down 496 · -35% births
1925	#1947	20	▲ up 416 · +33% births
1920	#2363	15	▼ down 210 · +7% births
1915	#2153	14	▼ down 708 · +133% births
1895	#1445	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tom

Best Year2023Rank #1068

Peak Count1,132

Average Rank#2804

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202314 years

The story of Tom

Tom has been a beloved American name for over 141 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1883. More than 140,064 babies have been named Tom since 1883. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1445 in 1895 to #1068 in 2023. Tom is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Tom in 1883:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Tom by decade

Tom peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	3,798
1890s	3,341
1900s	3,312
1910s	7,724
1920s	12,066
1930s	16,524
1940s ★	29,982
1950s	23,807
1960s	29,262
1970s	4,880
1980s	1,984
1990s	1,449
2000s	1,094
2010s	784
2020s	57

What are good nicknames for Tom?

Common

TomieTomy

What names sound and feel like Tom?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tom also consider these

Tomm

American · A variant spelling

Toy

American · A small object

Japan · eternal, long-lasting

Tol

Indonesia · Mighty

Common questions about the name Tom

What does the name Tom mean?

Tom means "Twin" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Tom?

Tom is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Tom?

Tom originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Tom?

Tom is a one-syllable name pronounced T AA1 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Tom sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Tom flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Tom ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.