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Last Name Symon

What is the origin of the last name Symon?

The surname Symon or Simon has multiple origins across different cultures and languages. One of the most common origins is from the Greek "Σίμων" (Simōn), which means "hearer" or "obedient." This name was popularized by Simon Peter, one of the apostles in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. In Hebrew, Sim'on comes from "Shim'on," meaning "he has heard" or "listens." In Aramaic, it means "one who hears." The name is found in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, including Simon the Cyrenian who carried Jesus' cross. The name may also have an Old Norse origin as "Símon," meaning "he who hears" or "god has heard." In Old English, it was spelled "Sigeweard," a compound of "Sige" (victory) and "Weard" (guard). Over time, the name evolved into its current forms like Simon, Symon, or Symeon. It's important to note that the exact origin of a surname can depend on regional variations, cultural influence, and historical records, so multiple origins are possible for the same name in different parts of the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Symon

The meaning and origin of the last name Symon

The surname Symon, also spelled Simon, is of ancient Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Biblical name Shim'on, which means "he who hears" or "listens." In the New Testament, Simon (or Simeon) was one of the twelve apostles, traditionally identified as Saint Peter. The surname Symon has been popular in various European countries, particularly in France, England, and Germany, where it may have been introduced by Jewish immigrants during the Middle Ages. Over time, the spelling variations of the name emerged due to different translation methods and regional dialects. Today, Symon is a common surname found globally among both Jewish and Christian communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Symon

The surname Symon, a variant of Simon, is of Hebrew origin and means "listener" or "he who hears." Its geographical distribution reflects its historical spread through Western Europe and beyond due to Jewish migration and Christian adoption. In Europe, it is most common in countries with significant historical Jewish populations such as France, Germany, Poland, Russia, and the United Kingdom. In North America, it is prevalent in the United States and Canada, particularly among descendants of European settlers and immigrants from Eastern Europe. The name also appears in Australia and New Zealand due to migration from the UK and Europe. In Africa, it is found predominantly in South Africa among Afrikaners, who are Dutch and German descendants. It's important to note that the frequency and geographical distribution of the surname can vary significantly within different regions, even within the same country, due to factors such as immigration patterns, historical events, and naming traditions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Symon

The surname Symon can be found with various spelling variations, including Simon, Symeon, Simmons, Simeon, Smythe, and de Symone. These variations may have originated due to phonetic changes, regional dialects, or transcription errors over time. In some cases, the addition of prefixes like Mc- (Mac) or O'- (O') can also be found, such as MacSimon and O'Symeon. While these spelling differences may appear significant, they are generally considered to be derivatives of the original name, Symon, which is believed to have origins in Ancient Greece, where it was a common given name meaning "god has heard."

Famous people with the last name Symon

Notable individuals with the surname Symon include:

1. Michael Symon - An American chef and restaurateur, known for his appearances on television cooking shows, including "Iron Chef America" and "The Chew". He owns several restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio.

2. Jake Symon - A professional baseball pitcher who played for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. Drafted by the Giants in 2014, he made his MLB debut in 2019.

3. Simon Symon - A British-Australian magician, mentalist, and hypnotist who has performed on various television shows around the world, including Britain's Got Talent, Australia's Got Talent, and America's Got Talent.

4. David Symon - An English-born Canadian ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens. He won five Stanley Cup championships during his career.

5. Robert Symon - A British chemist known for his work on chemical kinetics, particularly the theory of the rate of reactions. In 1903, he introduced the concept of activation energy in reaction rates.

Genealogical research on the last name Symon

The Symon surname is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name Simon, which was originally a Greek name meaning "hearkener" or "listener." The name became popular in Europe due to Saint Peter's disciple Simon Peter, who is often referred to as Simon in the New Testament.

In Scotland, the Symon surname can be found predominantly in the Lothians and Borders regions. It is believed that the name originated from the village of Symington in Lanarkshire. The clan was traditionally associated with the Stewart kings of Scotland, with many members serving in various roles within the royal court.

In England, the Symon surname can be traced back to the 13th century and is found most commonly in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Some notable figures bearing the name include Sir John Symon, a knight who fought in the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years War, and John Symon, a Puritan clergyman who was executed for his role in the English Civil War.

The Symon surname can also be found in Ireland, particularly in County Wexford, where it is believed to have been anglicized from the Irish name Ó Síomóin, meaning "descendant of Síomón."

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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