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Last Name Simeon

What is the origin of the last name Simeon?

The surname Simeon is of Hebrew origin and has roots in biblical history. It comes from the Hebrew word "Shim'on," which means "he who hears" or "he who listens." In the New Testament, Simeon is the name of an elderly man whom God chose to see the baby Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:25-35). Over time, the surname Simeon has been Anglicized in various ways across different countries and regions. Variations include Simon, Simmons, Simonson, Symeon, and others. It is a common surname in many parts of the world, particularly among Jewish communities.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Simeon

The meaning and origin of the last name Simeon

The surname Simeon is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name Simon or Simeon, which means "he who hears" or "listens." It is one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and is a common name in both Jewish and Christian traditions. In Christian history, two significant figures with this name are Simeon the Just, a high priest during the Second Temple period, and Simeon the Stylite, a famous ascetic known for living on top of a pillar for over thirty years. The surname Simeon can be found in various forms across different cultures, such as Simon in Western Europe and Semion in Russia, reflecting its widespread adoption throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Simeon

The last name Simeon is widely distributed across various regions globally, reflecting its historical origins and migrations. It is most prevalent in countries with Slavic or Eastern Orthodox Christian populations, such as Russia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania, where it originated from the biblical name Simon. In the Western world, particularly in Europe, it can also be found among immigrants from these regions. In addition, there are significant Simeon populations in countries like Greece and Cyprus due to their shared cultural and religious ties. The name is also present in Africa, primarily among populations of African descent with links to Russia or Eastern Europe. Furthermore, due to migration, the Simeon surname can be found in various parts of North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Simeon

The surname Simeon has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Simon, Symeon, Simeons, Simmons, and Smythe. In Slavic cultures, the name can be found as Симеон (Simeon) or Симонов (Simonov), while in Hebrew it may be spelled שמעון (Shim'on). In Greek and Cyprus, the name can also be found as Συμεων (Symeon) or Σιμεών (Simeon). The name Simeon is derived from the Hebrew name Shim'on, which means "he who hears" or "listens." This biblical name was particularly prominent in the New Testament through Simeon the Just and Simeon the God receiver.

Famous people with the last name Simeon

Notable individuals bearing the surname Simeon include Simeon ben Zakkai (a Jewish scholar and leader during the Second Temple period), Simeon Stylites (a Syrian Christian monk famous for living atop a pillar), and Simeon Strunsky (an American journalist, novelist, and socialist). In the modern era, Simeon Pine-Coffin is a British politician who has served as a Member of Parliament, while Simeon Favors is an American professional basketball player. Additionally, Bulgarian monarch Tsar Simeon II, also known as Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, was the last monarch of Bulgaria before its transition to a parliamentary republic in 1946.

Genealogical research on the last name Simeon

The surname Simeon is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the biblical figure Simon, which means "heard by God" or "God has heard." Early records show that the name was common among Jews in the Middle East and Europe during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have been brought to England by Jewish settlers, and it can be traced back to at least the 12th century. Over time, many Simeons emigrated from England to other parts of Europe and to the Americas, including the United States. In the United States, the name is most common in the southeastern states, particularly Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. The Simeon family has produced numerous notable individuals throughout history, including the 18th-century colonial American politician John Simeon and the 20th-century British mathematician and cryptanalyst Alan Turing.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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