Simeon

Pronunciation: [ s-IHM-ee-uhn ]

Boy Name #1,142 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

The ancient patriarch whose prayer echoes in churches today

Hebrew English Greek Slavic Eastern Orthodox

Biblical Classic Strong Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"one who hears, God has heard"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: English

The Story of Simeon

Simeon comes from the Hebrew Shimon meaning one who hears or God has heard, from the verb shama meaning to hear or to listen. In Genesis, Leah named her second son Simeon saying because the Lord has heard that I am unloved he gave me this one also. Simeon became the ancestor of one of Israel's twelve tribes and the name spread throughout the ancient Jewish and later Christian worlds.

Simeon is the distinguished less-common alternative to the more familiar Simon. It has been gaining traction as parents seek serious biblical names with genuine ancient gravitas. It is particularly beloved in Eastern Orthodox families who celebrate the Feast of Righteous Simeon.

In the New Testament, Simeon was the devout man in the Temple who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah and offered the Nunc Dimittis prayer meaning Lord now let your servant depart in peace from Luke 2:25-35. This prayer is still sung daily at Compline in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox vespers services worldwide.

Fun Facts

Simeon's prayer the Nunc Dimittis is still sung daily at Compline in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox services worldwide
Simeon I of Bulgaria from 864 to 927 created the First Bulgarian Empire and championed Slavic literacy
Multiple saints named Simeon appear in the Byzantine calendar making it one of the most frequently occurring names in Orthodox sainthood

Simeon in Other Languages

Greek Symeon

Arabic Shamoun

French Simeon

Russian Simeon

Spanish Simeon

Famous People Named Simeon

Simeon I of Bulgaria

Royalty

864

Tsar who created the First Bulgarian Empire and was patron of Slavic literacy and the Cyrillic script tradition

Simeon Stylites

Religious

390

5th-century Syrian ascetic who lived for 37 years atop a pillar, the first and most famous stylite saint venerated in Ca...

5th-century Syrian ascetic who lived for 37 years atop a pillar, the first and most famous stylite saint venerated in Catholic and Orthodox traditions

Simeon the Biblical patriarch

Religious

Second son of Jacob and Leah in the Hebrew Bible, ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #1,142
Total SSA Count: 184
Cultural Origins: Hebrew English Greek Slavic Eastern Orthodox
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Sim Sime

Pairs Well With

Simeon James Simeon David Simeon Elias Simeon Luther Simeon John Simeon Paul Simeon Aaron

Sibling Names

Levi Judah Rebekah Naomi Ezra Miriam Tobias

Also a Girl Name

Simeon is also used as a girl name, ranked #59981.

View Simeon as a girl name →

Similar Names

Solomon Lemuel Damon Ishmael Salomon Gibson Amon Fabian

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Frequently Asked Questions About Simeon

What does the name Simeon mean?

"one who hears, God has heard" (from Hebrew). Simeon comes from the Hebrew Shimon meaning one who hears or God has heard, from the verb shama meaning to hear or to listen. In Genesis, Leah named her second son Simeon saying because the Lord has heard that I am unloved he gave me this one also. Simeon became the ancestor of one of Israel's twelve tribes and the name spread throughout the ancient Jewish and later Christian worlds.

What is the origin of the name Simeon?

Simeon has Hebrew, English, Greek, Slavic, and Eastern Orthodox origins. In Hebrew, it means "one who hears, God has heard".

Is Simeon a boy or girl name?

Simeon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1142. As a girl name, it is ranked #59981. Simeon is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Simeon?

Simeon is pronounced s-IHM-ee-uhn.

How popular is the name Simeon?

Simeon is currently ranked #1142 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Simeon?

Common nicknames for Simeon include Sim and Sime.

What are good middle names for Simeon?

Popular middle name pairings include Simeon James, Simeon David, Simeon Elias, Simeon Luther, Simeon John, Simeon Paul, and Simeon Aaron.

What are good sibling names for Simeon?

Names that pair well with Simeon as siblings include Levi, Judah, Rebekah, Naomi, Ezra, Miriam, and Tobias.

How many syllables does Simeon have?

Simeon has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Simeon a common or rare name?

Simeon is an uncommon name, ranked #1142 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Simeon

Simeon is a boy name with Hebrew, English, Greek, Slavic, and Eastern Orthodox origins . The name means "one who hears, God has heard" in Hebrew .

Is Simeon a boy or girl name? Simeon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,142 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #59,981. Simeon is more commonly used as a boy name.

Simeon is currently ranked #1,142 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Simeon has 3 syllables and is pronounced s-IHM-ee-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Simeon include Sim and Sime. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.