Siem

♂ Boy

Pronounced SEEM /ˈsiːm/Medium

Meaning: Chiefly a Dutch short form of Simon (Hebrew Shimon, 'he has heard'), long-established in the Netherlands. Siem is separately found as an Eritrean and Ethiopian name in Tigrinya-speaking families.Low

In 30 seconds: One clean syllable: Siem is the Dutch short form of Simon (said 'SEEM'). It is also found as an Eritrean name.

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Origin MediumDutch, Tigrinya

MeaningChiefly a Dutch short form of Simon (Hebrew Shimon, 'he has heard'), long-established in the Netherlands. Siem is separately found as an Eritrean and Ethiopian name in Tigrinya-speaking families.

U.S. rank (2024)#13894 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 33

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Siem is the Dutch contraction of Simon, from Hebrew Shimon, 'he has heard'. Like many Dutch pet forms it became a name in its own right and is a familiar sight on Dutch birth lists. It also appears independently as a Tigrinya name in Eritrea and Ethiopia — two roads to the same spelling, which we note. Short, bright, and unfussy (said 'SEEM').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely. Rare, short, and continental.

Did you know? Siem is a Dutch nickname that grew up — the everyday short form of Simon, now given as a full name across the Netherlands. Separately, it is used in Eritrean and Ethiopian families (said 'SEEM').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Siem — Dutch short form of Simon; separate Tigrinya use

Variations

SemSimon

Nicknames

Siempie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Siem…

Sem— a near-twin Dutch short name

Simon— the full name behind it

Finn— a like short Dutch-Nordic pick

Bram— a like one-beat Dutch classic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Siem mean?

Siem is chiefly a Dutch short form of Simon (Hebrew Shimon, 'he has heard'); it is also used as an Eritrean name.

How do you pronounce Siem?

It's said SEEM /ˈsiːm/ — one syllable.

Is Siem a boy or girl name?

Siem is a boy's name.

How popular is Siem?

Siem is a rare name for boys in the U.S., though well used in the Netherlands.