Last Name Simard

The surname "Simard" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French given name "Simon," which comes from the Hebrew name "Shim'on," meaning "he who hears." In medieval times, many European families adopted occupational names that described their profession or an identifying attribute. The surname "Simard" may have been originally applied to a person who was associated with someone named Simon. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations in French-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Simard

The meaning and origin of the last name Simard

The surname Simard is of French origin and derives from a diminutive form of the male given name Simon. It was commonly found among French-speaking populations, particularly in France and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Acadia. The name Simon is derived from the Hebrew "Shimon," meaning "he who hears" or "listens." Over time, the diminutive form "Simard" emerged as a way to show affection or endearment towards an individual named Simon. In a broader context, Simard is one of many French surnames that were adopted and spread throughout North America during the colonial period, reflecting the significant historical influence of France on the continent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Simard

The last name Simard is primarily distributed across French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, where it represents one of the most common surnames. A significant concentration of Simards can be found in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. Outside Canada, the name is also prevalent in France, primarily in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, where it originated. Smaller populations of Simards are found in various French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Haiti, with some instances appearing in other parts of North America, Europe, and even Africa, largely due to migration or diaspora from Quebec and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Simard

The surname Simard has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common forms include:

1. Simard: This is the most common spelling, originating from French-speaking regions. It is pronounced as "see-mar" or "seem-ar."
2. Simonard: A less common variant of Simard, it follows traditional French rules for adding an 's' to surnames ending in a vowel when pluralizing.
3. Symond (or Syndam): These are English variants that result from the anglicization process, with the "m" being replaced by "d" or an "n."
4. Cymard: A Welsh variant that retains the original French pronunciation but uses the Welsh language's unique spelling system.
5. Zimard: In some cultures and languages, surnames may be modified for phonetic purposes. This is an example of such a variation.

Famous people with the last name Simard

Notable individuals bearing the surname Simard include:

1. Maude Barlow (b. 1947), a Canadian activist and author who has been involved in environmental issues, human rights, and social justice movements. She is also the former Senior Advisor on Water to the United Nations' Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights.
2. Yves Simard (b. 1956), a French-Canadian businessman who served as the President and CEO of Bombardier Inc., one of the largest transportation manufacturers in the world, from 2004 to 2008.
3. Jean Simard (1923-1980), a Canadian musician, composer, and arranger. He was instrumental in popularizing traditional French music in Quebec. His song "Mon Pays" became an anthem of Quebec nationalism.
4. Geneviève Simard (b. 1965), a Canadian actress who gained international fame for her roles in films such as "Cruel Intentions" and the TV series "ReGenesis".
5. Gilles Simard (b. 1937), a Canadian painter, known for his figurative and landscape paintings. He has been awarded multiple times by the Government of Quebec, including the Prix Paul-Émile-Borduas in 2006.

Genealogical research on the last name Simard

The surname Simard is primarily of French-Canadian origin and is derived from the occupational name "Le Simeon," meaning "the son of Simon." The name Simard is thought to have been first used in France during the Late Middle Ages, where it was a common given name.

The earliest known records of the Simard family in Canada date back to the 17th century in Quebec. Some of the earliest settlers with this surname include Pierre Simard and his wife Anne Rousseau, who arrived in Quebec in 1634. Over the centuries, the Simard family expanded across Canada, with significant populations found in Ontario, Manitoba, and the Maritime provinces.

Notable individuals with the surname Simard include Jean-Baptiste Simard, a prominent Canadian explorer and surveyor who contributed significantly to mapping western Canada; as well as André Simard, a renowned French-Canadian composer and musician. Genealogical research indicates that the Simard family has a rich and varied history in North America, with many branches and connections across the continent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Simard"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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