| ![Show Contents]() Tomass History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of TomassWhat does the name Tomass mean? The roots of the surname Tomass lie in the rugged landscape of Wales. Tomass was a popular Medieval given throughout Europe, coming from the popular biblical name. It is ultimately derived from the Aramaic personal name meaning "twin." Prior to the Norman Conquest, this name was rarely found, but by the 13th and 14th centuries, it became extremely common in Britain. Early Origins of the Tomass familyThe surname Tomass was first found in Breconshire (Welsh: Sir Frycheiniog), a traditional county in southern Wales, which takes its name from the Welsh kingdom of Brycheiniog (5th-10th centuries), where the family claims descendance from Owen Glendower, Lord of Glyndwyrdwy, Prince of South Wales. Early History of the Tomass familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tomass research. Another 97 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1613, 1633, 1654, 1656, 1665, 1677, 1683, 1689 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Tomass History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Tomass Spelling VariationsAlthough there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Tomass has seen various spelling variations: Thomas, Tomas, MacThomas, FitzThomas, Thomasett and others. Early Notables of the Tomass familyProminent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir William Thomas of Folkington; Rt. Rev. William Thomas D.D. (1613-1689), a Welsh Anglican bishop, Dean of Worcester (1665-1683), Bishop of St...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tomass Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Tomass family to IrelandSome of the Tomass family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 81 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Tomass familyThe Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Tomass: Joe, John, Robert, and Nathaniel Thomas, who all settled in Virginia in 1621; as did Christopher Thomas in 1635 and Evan Thomas in 1653; Henry Thomas, who came to Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in 1685.
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: I dduw bo'r diolch
Motto Translation: To God be thanks.
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