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Shimon

♂ Boy

Pronounced shee-MON /ʃiˈmɒn/High

Meaning: Hebrew form of Simeon or Simon, from Hebrew Shim'on meaning he heard or God has heard, from the root shama meaning to hearHigh

In 30 seconds: Shimon is the authentic Hebrew form of Simon meaning God has heard. Used in Jewish communities worldwide, it carries deep Talmudic and biblical resonance, borne by one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningHebrew form of Simeon or Simon, from Hebrew Shim'on meaning he heard or God has heard, from the root shama meaning to hear
U.S. rank (2025)#963 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births241 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,482

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419472025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Shimon is the Hebrew original from which both Simon and Simeon derive. In the Book of Genesis, Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah, and the Tribe of Simeon was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name appears throughout the Tanakh and Talmud.

In the Talmudic period, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was one of the most revered sages, traditionally credited with authorship of the Zohar, the foundational text of Jewish mysticism. The name has carried profound scholarly prestige for millennia.

Did you know? Shimon Peres (1923–2016), ninth President of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is the most globally recognized bearer of this name in modern times. His career spanned seven decades of Israeli public life.
Overall data confidence 96%
Behind the Name — Shimon — Hebrew etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SimonSimeonShimeon

Nicknames

ShimiShim

Famous Bearers

  • ★Shimon Peres (1923–2016)
    Israeli statesman, ninth President of Israel, and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994. He served as Prime Minister twice and was a member of the founding generation of the State of Israel.

If you like Shimon…

Simon— direct Greek/Latin form sharing the same Hebrew origin and meaning
Reuven— same Hebrew patriarchal tradition as one of the twelve tribes of Israel
Levi— shares the Hebrew tribal name heritage and classic Jewish usage
Nachum— same Talmudic and biblical Hebrew naming tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Shimon mean?

Shimon means he heard or God has heard in Hebrew, from the root shama. It is the Hebrew original of the names Simon and Simeon.

How do you pronounce Shimon?

It is said shee-MON, with two syllables and stress on the second.

Is Shimon the same as Simon?

Shimon is the original Hebrew form; Simon is the Greek and Latin adaptation. They share identical meaning and origin.

Who is the most famous Shimon?

Shimon Peres (1923-2016), Israeli President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is the best-known modern bearer of the name.