how did the name "tomboy" get it's start?

Answer 1

"Tomboy originally referred to a `boisterous, rude boy,' tom denoting `agressiveness associated with males.' Tom was used from the Middle Ages as a term for `common man,' based on the common name Thomas. Tomboy referring to a boisterous boy dates from before 1553. In 1579 we find it being applied to a `bold or immodest woman,' and in 1592 it refers to `a girl who behaves like a spirited, boisterous boy.'"

http://www.takeourword.com/et_t-z.html#tomboy

See also:
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=tomboy

Answer 2

i don't really know, but tomcat may have something to do with that. a tomcat is a male cat that hasn't been nutured. A tomboy is a girl that acts and dresses a little like a boy. there might be a connection somewhere.

Answer 3

tom cat
tom boy
a tom