Meaning
The meaning of Simon
Simon is related to Simeon and is commonly connected with hearing. The name appears repeatedly in the New Testament, which gives it broad Christian familiarity.
Name story
Many Simons in the New Testament
Simon is not attached to only one figure. It is the original name of Peter, the name of another apostle called the Zealot, and the name of Simon of Cyrene, who carries Jesus' cross.
That range makes Simon a deeply New Testament name even though it is simple and familiar.
Naming use
Hearing and discipleship
Because Simon is connected with hearing, it can suggest attentiveness and response. Its New Testament use adds discipleship, service, and witness.
For families, Simon feels classic, international, and quietly strong.
Sound
How to pronounce Simon
- Phonetic
- SY-mun
- IPA
- /ˈsaɪmən/
2 syllables · stress: SY-mun · ends in a consonant
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Simeon
- Szymon
- Symeon
- Simão
- Simone
Short forms and nicknames
- Si
- Sim
Languages
Simon in other languages
- Hebrew
- שִׁמְעוֹןShimon
- Greek
- ΣίμωνSimōn
- Latin
- Simon
- Spanish
- Simón
- French
- Simon
- German
- Simon
- Italian
- Simone
- Russian
- СимонSimon
- Polish
- Szymon
- Arabic
- سِمْعَانSimʿan
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Simon has strong Christian roots because of Simon Peter and several other New Testament figures. It is an apostolic and Gospel-era name with long church use.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Simon is borne by multiple New Testament figures, including Simon Peter, Simon the Zealot, Simon of Cyrene, and Simon the Pharisee.
Bearers
Notable people named Simon
biblical
Simon PeterGalilean fisherman renamed Cephas by Jesus, leader among the Twelvebiblical
Simon the ZealotOne of the Twelve Apostles, named in the Synoptic Gospel listsbiblical
Simon of CyreneAfrican passerby compelled to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha in the Synopticshistorical
Simón BolívarVenezuelan military and political leader who led the independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, 1783 to 1830historical
Simon WiesenthalAustrian Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter, 1908 to 2005modern
Simon SchamaEnglish historian and BBC presenter, born 1945modern
Simon CowellEnglish television and music executive, creator of The X Factor, born 1959
Saint
Saint Simon the Zealot
- Traditions
- Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican
- Patron of
- tanners, sawmen, lumberjacks
Catholic tradition celebrates Simon the Zealot with Jude, and Orthodox tradition commemorates him separately. Simon Peter is honored separately; see the Peter entry.
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Simon has been used across many Christian cultures and languages. It feels traditional without being overly formal.
Recent US use
Simon in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #230
- Peak rank
- #142 in 1886
- Recent trend
- stable over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
For families
For families looking at Simon
Simon may suit parents who want a classic biblical boy name that is recognizable, gentle, and tied to hearing and discipleship.
Common questions
What does Simon mean?
Simon is commonly connected with hearing or he has heard.
Is Simon a biblical name?
Yes. Several New Testament figures are named Simon, including Simon Peter.
Is Simon the same as Peter?
Simon is Peter's original name; Jesus gives Simon the name Peter.
Sources
Sources for Simon
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology (Shimon); meaning 'he has heard'.
- The Gospel of Matthew, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figures Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot (Matthew 4:18).
- The Oxford Dictionary of Saints, David Hugh Farmer (5th edition)Supports: Saint Simon the Zealot; feast day (October 28).
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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