What does “Thomas” mean and was he the twin brother of Jesus?

The name “Thomas” is of Aramaic origin and is known to mean “twin.” In Scripture, Thomas is also referred to as “Didymus,” which means “twin” in Greek. Because of this, some have come to the conclusion that if Thomas’ name meant “twin,” he must have been the twin of Jesus, or at least his brother. Nowhere does the biblical, ecclesiastical or historical tradition support such speculation. St. Luke makes clear in describing the Annunciation of the Archangel to Mary the singular nature of the Lord’s conception (Luke 1). Thus, the Church has always upheld the perpetual virginity of Mary as the true “ark of the Covenant,” who only ever held within the Word of God made Flesh (John 1).