Shimon is a Hebrew masculine given name that translates to "he has heard" in English. The name derives from the Hebrew root verb "shama," which means "to hear." According to Jewish tradition, Shimon is believed to be the original form of the name Simon, and it is often used interchangeably with its Greek and Latin counterparts.
The name Shimon appears several times in the Old Testament of the Bible. One notable mention is Shimon Peres, a prominent Israeli statesman who served as Prime Minister and President of Israel. He was named after his grandfather, who was also called Shimon.
In Jewish tradition, the name Shimon is often associated with the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel that descend from Jacob's son Simeon. According to Genesis, Simeon and Levi, his brother, avenged their sister Dinah by slaughtering the men of Shechem after she was raped.
The name Shimon is also significant in Jewish history as it was borne by several notable figures throughout the ages. For instance, Shimon bar Yochai was a prominent Talmudic sage who lived during the 2nd century CE and is renowned for his mystical teachings and Kabbalah. Additionally, Shimon the Just, a High Priest of the Second Temple period, was known for his righteousness and wisdom.
In contemporary times, the name Shimon continues to be popular among Jews worldwide, and it has also gained recognition as a unisex name in other cultures due to its unique sound and meaning. Overall, Shimon is a name with deep historical roots and significance, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with rich cultural heritage.
The name Shimon has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past seven decades in the United States. Between 1947 and 2023, there have been a total of 4984 births registered with the name Shimon.
The number of births each year fluctuated considerably during the early years, ranging from a low of 5 births in both 1947 and 1965 to a high of 11 births in 1961. However, starting in the late 1970s, there was a notable increase in the number of newborn boys named Shimon.
In 1974, there were 22 births, which nearly doubled to 38 births in 1984. The trend continued into the 1990s, with a peak of 89 births in 2000. Since then, the popularity of the name Shimon has remained relatively stable, with an average of around 180 births per year between 2005 and 2023.
Notably, the years 2009 and 2012 saw significant spikes in the number of newborn boys named Shimon, with 182 and 174 births respectively. Despite these fluctuations, the name Shimon has consistently been a popular choice among parents in the United States over the past seven decades.
This information demonstrates that while the popularity of the name Shimon may have ebbed and flowed over time, it has maintained a steady presence among American newborns since the mid-20th century.