where does the last name thompson derive from
Thompson (surname) Thompson is a patronymic surname of English and Scottish origin, with a variety of spellings meaning "son of Thom".[2] An alternative origin may be geographical, arising from the placename Thompson.[3] Thom(p)son is the English translation of MacTavish, which is also the Anglicized version of the Gaelic name of MacTamhais.[4][5] During the Plantation period, settlers carried the name to Ireland. It is the 14th most common surname in the United Kingdom and 23rd most common in the United States.[6] According to the 2010 United States Census, Thompson was the 23rd most frequently reported surname, accounting for 0.23% of the population.[7]
Hamilton (surname and title) The surname Hamilton most probably originated in the village of Hamilton, Leicestershire, England,[1][2][3] but bearers of that name became established in the 13th century in Lanarkshire, Scotland.[3] The town of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire was named after the family some time before 1445.[4][5] Contemporary Hamiltons are either descended from the original noble family, or descended from people named after the town.[2][4]