Simeon

Origin

Hebrew origin, from the name שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimon), meaning 'he has heard'. The name appears in the Bible as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is also a patriarch in the Old Testament. In the context of Australian history, Simeon is a biblical name that was commonly used among early European settlers and has been maintained through Christian traditions in Australia.

Meaning

'He has heard' or 'God has heard'. In Australian English contexts, it retains its biblical significance, often associated with faith and tradition, and is used for boys born into Christian families.

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪm.i.ən/ or /saɪˈmiː.ən/ (depending on speaker) — stress typically on the first syllable, with a clear 'S' sound and 'ee' as in 'see'. Australian pronunciation often leans towards /ˈsɪm.i.ən/.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 28 August (Feast of Saint Simeon)
• 15 September (Feast of Saint Cyprian and Saint Justina, sometimes including Simeon in related calendars)
• 24 February (in some Orthodox traditions, commemorating Saint Simeon the God-Receiver)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with simeon:

• William and Simeon
• Charlotte and Simeon
• James and Simeon

Fun Facts

• Simeon was the name of a notable Australian bushranger in the 1860s.
• The name has seen a resurgence in popularity in early 2000s Australia, linked to a broader interest in biblical and vintage names.
• The biblical Simeon is considered the Patron Saint of the elderly in some Christian traditions.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name simeon:

• Traditional, faith-oriented, respectful, family-oriented, earnest.
• In Australian popular culture, the name can evoke a sense of heritage and religious devotion.
• Some may see it as old-fashioned, but it is experiencing a revival among certain demographic groups.

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and biblical, with a balanced syllabic structure. Visually, it appears traditional with a timeless appeal in typed and handwritten scripts in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

More common in regions with strong Indigenous Christian communities, such as parts of New South Wales and Victoria, where biblical names are traditionally popular.

Numerological Significance

Name Number: 8 (based on Pythagorean numerology). The number 8 signifies abundance, power, and balance, reflecting a steady and determined personality.

Astrological Connections

Associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio or Sagittarius based on the birth date, symbolising intensity, passion, and adventure, which align with the name's strong historical and religious roots.

Historical Context

Simeon appears in Australian history as a biblical name adopted by early missionaries and settlers. Notably, Saint Simeon is a prominent figure in Christian history, and the name has been borne by various figures in Australian religious and social history.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across English-speaking cultures, with minimal alteration required. It is also transcribed into other scripts with phonetic considerations, such as סִימוֹן in Hebrew.

Famous People Named simeon

• Simeon (biblical figure)
• Simeon Holt (19th-century Australian cricketer)
• Simeon (Australian author and poet, contemporary)

Popularity in Australia