Last Name Simon

The last name "Simon" has multiple possible origins. 1. English: "Simon" is derived from the personal name "Simon," which itself comes from the Hebrew name "Shim'on," meaning "he has heard." This English version of the name was introduced by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. 2. Jewish: "Simon" is a common Jewish surname, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews. It is often an anglicized version of the German and Yiddish name "Schimmel," which means "black" or "dark" and was used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion. 3. French: "Simon" can also have French origins. It is derived from the Greek name "Simōn," which means "hearkening" or "listening." It is important to note that last names can have various origins, and individuals with the surname "Simon" could have different ancestral backgrounds. Genealogical research and tracing family history can provide more specific information about a particular family's origin.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Simon

When looking at the ethnic identity tied to the surname Simon, based on the Decennial U.S. Census, there have been noticeable shifts between the years 2000 and 2010. The majority of Simons in both years identified as White, though this percentage decreased from 69.94% in 2000 to 65.09% in 2010. Meanwhile, those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander increased significantly from 1.98% to 2.75%, marking a 38.89% change. There was also an increase in the Hispanic representation within the Simon surname, rising from 4.66% to 7.06%, a significant 51.50% change. Individuals identifying as Black or of two or more races also saw increases, whereas the American Indian and Alaskan Native category remained relatively stable.

	2000	2010	Change
White	69.94%	65.09%	-6.93%
Black	20.95%	22.51%	7.45%
Hispanic	4.66%	7.06%	51.5%
Asian/Pacific Islander	1.98%	2.75%	38.89%
Two or More Races	1.83%	1.93%	5.46%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.65%	0.67%	3.08%

Simon ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Simon is British & Irish, which comprises 25.6% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (23.1%) and Ashkenazi Jewish (19.0%). Additional ancestries include Eastern European, Spanish & Portuguese, Italian, Scandinavian, and Nigerian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	25.6%
French & German	23.1%
Ashkenazi Jewish	19.0%
Other	32.4%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Simon

The meaning and origin of the last name Simon

The surname Simon is derived from the Hebrew given name "Shimon," meaning "he has heard." Simon is a very ancient name mentioned in the Old Testament, where it appears as the name of several individuals, including Simon Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The name gained popularity primarily due to its association with Saint Peter, considered the first Pope and a significant figure in Christianity. As a result, "Simon" has been widely used as a surname among people of Jewish, Christian, and European descent, often indicating ancestral ties to these religious or cultural traditions. However, it is important to note that the surname Simon has acquired regional variations over time, such as Simmons, Simons, and Simmonds, reflecting the multicultural and multilingual evolution of names throughout history. Today, the surname Simon can be found across various countries worldwide, serving as a connection to ancient biblical roots and historical religious significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Simon

The last name Simon has a diverse geographical distribution, with a significant presence in various regions around the world. The name originated from biblical times and has since spread far and wide. In Europe, it is commonly found in countries like France, Germany, and England. In the United States, the name Simon is prevalent among different ethnic groups, including Jewish, African American, and French-Canadian communities. Some pockets of high concentration can be observed in cities like New York, Chicago, and New Orleans. Additionally, the name Simon can be found in significant numbers in parts of Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Tanzania. In the Asian continent, the name is less common but can still be found in countries such as India and Israel. Overall, the last name Simon exhibits a diverse geographical distribution, reflecting the global migration and historical influences on surname adoption and inheritance.

Variants and spellings of the last name Simon

The last name Simon has several variations and spellings. One common variant is "Simmons," which adds an "s" at the end. Another one is "Symons," which replaces the "i" with a "y" and adds an "s" at the end. Other variations include "Simmonds," "Simmens," and "Seman." There are also different spellings that maintain the general sound of the name, such as "Szymon" and "Siemon." These variations might have originated from different regions, cultures, or linguistic preferences. Over time, names often evolve and change due to various factors like migration, intermarriage, or local pronunciation habits. It is not uncommon to find different spellings and variations of names, even within the same family. Therefore, individuals with the last name Simon or its variations might have ancestors from different parts of the world or distinct historical backgrounds.

Famous people with the last name Simon

Paul Simon is an iconic American songwriter, best known for his work as one half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel. With his introspective lyrics and distinctive voice, Simon became an influential figure in the folk and pop music scene of the 1960s and 1970s. His solo career also achieved great success, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Carly Simon, a renowned singer-songwriter, burst onto the music scene in the 1970s with her powerful vocals and emotional storytelling. She became one of the era's leading songwriters, with hits like "You're So Vain" and "Nobody Does It Better." With her resonant voice and personal lyrics, Carly Simon established herself as a prominent figure in the singer-songwriter genre. Together, Paul and Carly Simon have made invaluable contributions to the music industry, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to captivate audiences today.

Genealogical research on the last name Simon

Research on the last name Simon reveals a rich genealogical history. The name Simon can be traced back to biblical times, as it was the given name of one of the twelve apostles, Simon Peter. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "Shimon," meaning "he has heard." Throughout history, the surname Simon has been widely spread across different countries, particularly in Europe. In France, it was a common Jewish surname during the Middle Ages and can be found in various regions such as Alsace, Lorraine, and Paris. The name also has German and English origins, with notable individuals bearing the surname in these countries. Over time, the Simon family name branched out, resulting in various spelling variations and regional adaptations. Today, individuals with the surname Simon can be found across the globe, each with their unique ancestral roots and family connections.

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 April 2025

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