Name Meaning & Origin
"The loud rumbling, cracking, or crashing sound caused by expansion of rapidly heated air around a lightning bolt."
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Depending upon the distance from and nature of the lightning, it can range from a long, low rumble to a sudden, loud crack. The sudden increase in temperature and hence pressure caused by the lightning produces rapid expansion of the air in the path of a lightning bolt. In turn, this expansion of air creates a sonic shock wave, often referred to as a "thunderclap" or "peal of thunder". The scientific study of thunder is known as brontology and the irrational fear (phobia) of thunder is called brontophobia.
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Depending upon the distance from and nature of the lightning, it can range from a long, low rumble to a sudden, loud crack. The sudden increase in temperature and hence pressure caused by the lightning produces rapid expansion of the air in the path of a lightning bolt. In turn, this expansion of air creates a sonic shock wave, often referred to as a "thunderclap" or "peal of thunder". The scientific study of thunder is known as brontology and the irrational fear (phobia) of thunder is called brontophobia.
Life Path 9 — Compassion & Idealism: Humanitarian, selfless, and globally-minded.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Thunder" emerges in Multiple origins tradition, carrying the core meaning "The loud rumbling, cracking, or crashing sound caused by expansion of rapidly heated air around a lightning bolt.".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~542 people named Thunder in the US. Peaked in 2018 with 30 recorded uses.
The Life Path number for Thunder is 9, associated with Compassion & Idealism. Soul Urge: 8. Personality: 1.
Thunder is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 100% male and 0% female.
Approximately 542 people in the United States are named Thunder. The name peaked in 2018 with 30 recorded uses.
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