About the name Toma / Thomas
Etymology & meaning
Toma comes from the Aramaic תאומא (te'oma) — "twin". Bulgarian keeps the derivatives Tomislav and the short Tomi.
History & patron saint
The apostle Thomas is the "doubting" disciple who asked to touch the risen Christ's wounds — and then confessed the faith most emphatically; he preached as far as India. His memory is kept on 6 October.
Traditions & customs
The name day follows the common pattern — guests and treats; greetings often nod to the saint: "see for yourself, and believe to the end".
Popularity & notable bearers
Toma is rarer today but firmly held in memory through the surname Tomov and the literary canon; Tomislav keeps the South Slavic strand alive.