Simon: a male name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard".It derives from the Hebrew word "Sh'ma > shim‛ôn > Símōn".
In Hebrew tradition, Simon holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Hebrew culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Simon
Quick facts about Simon
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard.” In turn, it derives from the word “sh’ma,” meaning “listen” (God has heard your prayer to grant a child). Sh’ma Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Torah and are the title (sometimes shortened to just “Shema”) of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. 1) Simeon or Shimeon was the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife, Leah, and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) Simeon was an Israelite of the sons of Bani, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra. Some authors consider this name a classical Greek name.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Sh'ma > shim‛ôn > Símōn
Other Scripts
Georgian (სიმონ) Macedonian (Симон)
How to Pronounce Simon
Simon is pronounced /ˈsaɪmən/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Sim-on
Say it like: "SAEEHMOOHN"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Simon enjoys international appeal, used in 19 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, romanian, french, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
Simon means "This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard.” In turn, it derives from the word “sh’ma,” meaning “listen” (God has heard your prayer to grant a child). Sh’ma Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Torah and are the title (sometimes shortened to just “Shema”) of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. 1) Simeon or Shimeon was the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife, Leah, and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) Simeon was an Israelite of the sons of Bani, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra. Some authors consider this name a classical Greek name.". The name comes from Sh'ma > shim‛ôn > Símōn. In its original form, the name derives from Sh'ma (שְׁמַע) Shim‛ôn (שִׁמְעוֹן) Símōn (Σῐ́μων). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Simon for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard.” In turn, it derives from the word “sh’ma,” meaning “listen” (God has heard your prayer to grant a child). Sh’ma Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Torah and are the title (sometimes shortened to just “Shema”) of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. 1) Simeon or Shimeon was the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife, Leah, and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) Simeon was an Israelite of the sons of Bani, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra. Some authors consider this name a classical Greek name." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Simon's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Simon?
Simon is a hebrew name. The name traces back to Sh'ma > shim‛ôn > Símōn. The original form Sh'ma (שְׁמַע) Shim‛ôn (שִׁמְעוֹן) Símōn (Σῐ́μων) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Simon is written as Georgian (სიმონ) Macedonian (Симон). From its hebrew roots, Simon spread to become common in english, romanian, french, norwegian and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard.” In turn, it derives from the word “sh’ma,” meaning “listen” (God has heard your prayer to grant a child). Sh’ma Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Torah and are the title (sometimes shortened to just “Shema”) of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. 1) Simeon or Shimeon was the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife, Leah, and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) Simeon was an Israelite of the sons of Bani, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra. Some authors consider this name a classical Greek name." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Simon a boy or girl name?
Simon is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In hebrew tradition, Simon has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard.” In turn, it derives from the word “sh’ma,” meaning “listen” (God has heard your prayer to grant a child). Sh’ma Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Torah and are the title (sometimes shortened to just “Shema”) of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. 1) Simeon or Shimeon was the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife, Leah, and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) Simeon was an Israelite of the sons of Bani, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra. Some authors consider this name a classical Greek name." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Simon?
Simon is pronounced "/ˈsaɪmən/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Georgian (სიმონ) Macedonian (Симон), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Simon is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, romanian, french, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Simon can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Sh'ma > shim‛ôn > Símōn influences how Simon sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Simon?
Simon is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Simon offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Simon's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard.” In turn, it derives from the word “sh’ma,” meaning “listen” (God has heard your prayer to grant a child). Sh’ma Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Torah and are the title (sometimes shortened to just “Shema”) of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. 1) Simeon or Shimeon was the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife, Leah, and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) Simeon was an Israelite of the sons of Bani, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra. Some authors consider this name a classical Greek name." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Simon holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Simon commonly used?
Simon spans multiple cultures, including english, romanian, french, and 16 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Simon found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Simon, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard.” In turn, it derives from the word “sh’ma,” meaning “listen” (God has heard your prayer to grant a child). Sh’ma Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Torah and are the title (sometimes shortened to just “Shema”) of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. 1) Simeon or Shimeon was the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife, Leah, and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) Simeon was an Israelite of the sons of Bani, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra. Some authors consider this name a classical Greek name." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Simon into their naming traditions. A child named Simon will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Simon is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Simon?
Simon carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from Hebrew “Shim’ôn” (Ancient Greek: Símōn “Σῐ́μων”), meaning “He (God) has heard.” In turn, it derives from the word “sh’ma,” meaning “listen” (God has heard your prayer to grant a child). Sh’ma Yisrael are the first two words of a section of the Torah and are the title (sometimes shortened to just “Shema”) of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. 1) Simeon or Shimeon was the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife, Leah, and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) Simeon was an Israelite of the sons of Bani, who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra. Some authors consider this name a classical Greek name." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Simon originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Simon sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Simon often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.