Last Name Simon

The surname Simon has roots in various cultures and languages. In Greek, it is derived from the word "Simón," which means "he who hears" or "obedient." This name can be traced back to the New Testament of the Bible, where Simon Peter (or Simon Bar-Jonah) was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. In Hebrew, Simon is also a form of Simeon, which is the name of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. The tribal leader Simeon was a son of Jacob and Leah. The surname Simon may have been brought to Europe by Jewish or Greek settlers and has since become widely distributed across different countries and cultures. Its spelling can vary based on regional traditions, such as Simon (English), Simón (Spanish), Siméon (French), and Semjon (Russian).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Simon

The meaning and origin of the last name Simon

The surname Simon derives from a Hebrew name, Shim'on, which means "heard" or "listen". It is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, as well as a prominent figure in the Old Testament, making it a popular Jewish surname throughout history. The name Simón (with an accent on the 'o') is also common in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures. It has been anglicized to Simon in English-speaking countries. As a last name, Simon can be found among Jews, Christians, and individuals of various ethnicities around the world, reflecting its long history and cultural diversity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Simon

The surname Simon is widely distributed across various regions globally, with significant concentrations in multiple countries. Europe, particularly France and Germany, holds a considerable number of people bearing this name. In France, it ranks among the top 50 most common last names, while in Germany, it's also prevalent. The name is also quite common among Jewish populations, with a high concentration in Israel and other countries with significant Jewish diaspora such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In addition, the name Simon can be found in various African countries due to historical connections with European colonization and migration. It's essential to note that the geographical distribution of the surname Simon reflects broader patterns of migration and cultural interaction throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Simon

The surname Simon has various spelling and pronunciation variations across different cultures and regions. Here are some of its common forms:

1. Simon - This is the most common English spelling, with origins rooted in Hebrew, meaning "heard" or "listened."
2. Simeon - A version found more frequently in Eastern European countries and among Jewish communities. The Greek form translates to "God has heard."
3. Simons - An Anglicized Dutch and German spelling of the name.
4. Symeon - The Scottish Gaelic version of Simon, which also means "God has heard" in Greek.
5. Zimun, Zyman, Cymon - Some less common variants found among Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
6. Sìmoin, Sìmean, Sìman - Scottish Gaelic diacritical forms of Simon.
7. Simione, Simoni, Simões (plural in Portuguese) - Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variants.
8. Симон (Simon), Симеон (Simeon), Сімон (Simon), Сімеон (Simeon) - Cyrillic versions of the name found among Eastern Slavic communities.

Famous people with the last name Simon

Notable individuals bearing the surname Simon include Paul Simon, an American musician, songwriter, and actor, best known as one half of the folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, who has had a prolific solo career with hits such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Graceland." Another famous Simon is Tony Simon, an African-American actor and model, well-known for his roles in the television series "Wildfire" and "The Young and the Restless." Nancy Simon, the daughter of comedian and actor Jerry Lewis, is a screenwriter and producer who has worked on films like "A Matter of Time" and "Lovers and Other Strangers." Lastly, Neil Simon, an American playwright, is considered one of the greatest comic playwrights in history, with his works such as "The Odd Couple," "Barefoot in the Park," and "Plaza Suite" earning him multiple Tony Awards. These are just a few examples of the talented individuals sharing the surname Simon.

Genealogical research on the last name Simon

The surname Simon originates from the Hebrew name Shim'on, which means "heard" or "listened." It is a biblical name that appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament, including among the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

The name first appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages and was popular among Jewish communities in countries such as France, Germany, and England. In some regions, it also became adopted by Christians, possibly due to its association with biblical figures or the popularity of given names with this root.

Simon is a common surname across Europe, particularly in France, where it can be found in various forms like Simonet, Simond, and Simonson. The name's migration patterns are evident as it appears in numerous countries worldwide, including England, Spain, Italy, Scandinavia, and North America, due to historical events such as the Crusades, expulsions, and immigration waves.

Today, the Simon surname remains widespread globally, with notable individuals like the British physicist Paul Dirac (Nobel laureate), French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, and American basketball player Magic Johnson bearing this name. The diversity and historical significance of the Simon surname make it an interesting subject for further genealogical research.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Simon"
• 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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