Simon

Meaning

The name is traditionally traced to the Hebrew Shim‘on, linked in the excerpts to the idea of “obedient” and also to the verb shama, “to hear,” giving senses such as “one who hears and grants a petition,” “favourable hearing,” or “hearing with acceptance.” One excerpt also notes a Greek association with “snub-nosed,” reflecting a later classical folk etymology rather than the main biblical origin.

Origin

Fun fact

In the excerpts, Simon is described as a Norman-introduced Christian name that became so common in medieval Europe that it spread into many language forms, from Simonette to Simão.