Meaning: Its source is an Aramaic expression meaning "Twin."

Languages: This boy's name is used in Italian.

Narrative: Thomas was the name of one of Jesus' disciples. Some accounts say his full name was Judas Thomas (Judas the Twin), and a nickname was needed to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot.

Many Christians might be shocked to learn that some sects have taught that Thomas was the twin of Jesus himself.

The Biblical Thomas presents an unusual mixture of pessimism and zealous faith. He is called ''doubting Thomas'' because of an incident in the Acts. After the resurrection, he refuses to believe until he sees Jesus for himself. At their meeting, Thomas declares his faith. Jesus gently rejoins that it is better to believe without seeing.