Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Simon

Simon is the English form of the Hebrew name Simeon which means ‘hearkening’. The name is borne by several characters in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments. Simeon was Jacob’s second-born son in Genesis, one of the eleven brothers of Joseph, and the one most responsible for selling him into slavery. Simeon, like Levi, did not receive Jacob’s blessing and are instead dispersed among the other Tribes of Israel having no specific tribal territory of their own (because Jacob felt they used their “swords [for] weapons of violence” and so cursed their anger and wrath) [Genesis 49:5-7]. In the New Testament, Simon was one of Christ’s apostles and one of the “zealots” (a strong religious ideology demanding the complete removal of Roman foreign religion and rule from Israel). It is also thought this Simon was actually Jesus’ brother. The last notable Biblical Simon we’ll mention is Simon Magnus, a Samaritan sorcerer who attempted to purchase the gifts of the Holy Spirit from St. Peter. In Acts 8:20 Peter retorts: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!” This is where we get the word “simony” (the act of buying or selling sacred Christian objects or purchasing church offices). So it’s interesting to see that most of these Biblical characters named Simon could have ‘hearkened’ or listened better. They were all a little too focused on their own agenda until they were forced to listen to the word of God. The name Simon has been in use in English-speaking counties for several centuries.

All About the Baby Name – Simon

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME SIMON

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME SIMON

The name Simon has been on the U.S. naming charts since the U.S. government first began tracking naming trends in 1880. The name enjoyed moderately high levels of success at the turn of the 20th century, but began to lose steam as the decades progressed. By the 1960s, Simon reached its lowest point on the charts and was only used in moderation. In the past 40 years, Simon has been slowly clawing his way back up the charts. The name still hasn’t reached the same levels of usage it maintained in the 1880s, but today it’s finally getting closer to that point. We would have thought that American Idol’s Simon Cowell might have influenced some growth in the name’s popularity, but it doesn’t appear so. Again, Simon Cowell is another Simon who doesn’t ‘listen’ very well! Simon is a very English sounding name (like Oliver, Owen, Ewan, Gavin or Liam). It also brings to mind an old Mike Myers SNL skit of the little English boy in the bath tub introducing himself: “Hello, my name is Simon, and I love to do drawings!” Simon is an adorable name for a little boy, and one that ages nicely into a handsome, confident man. You might just have to work on his ‘listening’ skills a little more than the rest because “Simon Says” like to give the orders rather than take them! Remember, the game’s not called “Simon Listens”.

Quick Facts

ON SIMON

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

229

PRONUNCIATION:

SY-mon

SIMPLE MEANING:

Hearkening, listening

Characteristics

OF SIMON

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Simon

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SIMON

Margaret is the young heroine of Judy Blume’s famous novel, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, about a young girl on the brink of puberty, and how she wrestles with all the problems particular to her species. Since its publication in 1970, it has become a classic for young girls, who identify with her by the dozens, as she encounters the problems caused by “growing up”. Her heartfelt talks with God are both poignant and funny, as she outlines her concerns for His regard.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SIMON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Simon


Popular Songs

ON SIMON

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Simon


Famous People

NAMED SIMON

Simón Bolívar (Venezuelan military and political leader)
Simon Cowell (TV personality)
Simon Gallup (bassist of The Cure)
Simon Le Bon (lead singer of Duran Duran)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SIMON

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Simon

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SIMON

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Simon