Simon Name Meaning (Origin, Popularity & Nicknames)

What Does Simon Mean?

Simon means “(he who) hears” or “listen” in Greek and Hebrew. However, the unrelated Greek name Simon also means “flat-nosed.”

What Is the Origin of the Name Simon?

Simon stems from the Hebrew Shi’mon/Si’mon, from a Hebrew root meaning “hear, listen.” Translated to Greek as Simeon, its spelling was influenced by the unrelated Greek name Simon, from the root “simos,” meaning “flat-nosed.” In modern times, Simon is also used in English, French, and German.

How Popular Is the Name Simon?

Simon is extremely popular. It peaked at 198th on the U.S. popularity charts in 1910 and ranked 248th in 2023. It is the 194th most common name worldwide and is popular in the West, Africa, Australia, and Europe.

How Do I Pronounce Simon?

Simon is pronounced “SEYE-mun” or “SEYE-mn” in English. “It is also pronounced “SEE-maw,” in French, “SEE-mawn” in Spanish, “SEE-mon” in Greek, and “ZEE-mon” in German.

Is Simon a Boy or Girl Name?

Simon is a male name.

Variations of Simon

With the popularity of this moniker throughout history, there are many variations of Simon. Here is a list of the most common variations used worldwide:

• Shi’mon (Hebrew)
• Siemen (Dutch)
• Simen (Norwegian)
• Simeon (Greek, Serbian, Bulgarian)
• Simone (Italian)
• Šimun (Croatian)
• Symeon (Greek, Latin)
• Symon (Ukrainian)
• Szymon (Polish)

Nicknames for Simon

Here is a list of nicknames for Simon, accounting for its wide usage and spellings around the world:

• Mon-mon
• Shimmel
• Siem
• Sime
• Simmy
• Simo
• Si-Si/Sy-Sy (SEYE-SEYE)
• Si/Sy (SEYE)

Similar Names to Simon

Perhaps you enjoy Simon’s meaning, sound, or look but aren’t quite sure it’s for you. We’ve collected similar names to Simon for you to consider:

• Damon
• Graham
• Harmon
• Ishmael
• Jamil
• Liam
• Matthew
• Ramon
• Roman
• Sami
• Samson
• Samuel
• Seamus
• Seymour
• Silas
• Suman
• Timon
• Zion

Middle Names for Simon

From biblical and ancient to powerful and modern, we’ve curated the best pairings of middle names for Simon:

• Alexander
• Atlas
• Augustus
• Aurelius
• Benjamin
• Cornelius
• Gabriel
• Jacob
• James
• John
• Joshua
• Lee
• Matthew
• Maverick
• Octavius
• Patrick
• Peter
• Rafael
• Thaddeus
• Thiago

Sibling Names for Simon

Are you looking for sibling names for Simon? Look no further because we’ve gathered a diverse list that will suit a brother or sister. Read on to find your perfect match for Simon:

For a brother:

• Aaron
• Asher
• Augustus
• Levi
• Mason
• Saul
• Sion
• Sterling

For a sister:

• Aurelia
• Isabella
• Livia
• Olivia
• Rachel
• Sarah
• Shruti
• Sophia

Unisex sibling names:

• Jesse
• Sacha
• Sage
• Shion

Famous People Named Simon

The first famous Simon is likely the Apostle Peter from the Bible. These days, the list of famous people named Simon is almost endless! So, we’ve collected some of the most notable namesakes that might interest you:

• Simon Barere: Russian pianist.
• Simon Callow: English actor.
• Simon Cowell: British TV personality and record executive.
• Simon Helberg: American actor and comedian.
• Simon Pegg: English actor and comedian.
• Simón Bolívar: Venezuelan soldier.

Simon in Popular Culture

Here is a list of characters who share the name Simon in popular culture:

• Simon Belmont: First protagonist of the Castlevania video game series.
• Simon Camden: Character on the TV show “7th Heaven.”
• Simon Lewis: Character in Cassandra Clare’s “The Mortal Instruments” books.
• Simon Petrikov: Character known as the Ice King in the “Adventure Time” TV series.

Simon FAQs

Many people are interested in learning more about the name Simon. Here are some answers to common questions regarding Simon:

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Name Simon?

The spiritual meaning of the name Simon may be related to faith, obedience, and attentiveness to the divine. In the Bible, Simon was the birthname of the Apostle Peter and means “who is heard, who hears/listens.” This implies one who listens and obeys divine instruction or could imply one whose petitions to God are heard by Him.

Does the Name Simon Mean Unstable?

Simon does not mean “unstable.” This misunderstanding appears to stem from the teachings of some Christian denominations. It likely takes inspiration from specific brash actions or words the Apostle Simon Peter was known to display in the Gospels before Christ’s resurrection.

What Does Simon Mean in Latin?

In Latin, Simon derives from the Hebrew-Greek Shi’mon/Simon, meaning “hearing, listening.” However, it may also stem from the unrelated Greek Simon, meaning “flat-nosed” or “snub-nosed.” The latter version of Simon originates with the root “simos.”

What Did Jesus Rename Simon?

Simon is known by several names throughout the scriptures. After becoming an apostle, Jesus gave Simon the name Cephas (Peter). As Peter means “rock,” this new moniker was likely prophetic, as Jesus could discern the “secret person of the heart.” In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said to Peter: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”