Shimeon

Shimeon is a masculine given name used in Jewish communities and among speakers of Hebrew and related languages. It is a variant of Shimon, Simeon, or Simon and can be found in various transliterations. The form aligns with the Hebrew name שמעון (Shimon).

Etymology: The name derives from Hebrew roots sh-m-a, typically interpreted as "he has heard" or "God has heard" in biblical readings. The exact nuance varies with tradition and transliteration, and Shimeon reflects a phonetic rendering used in some languages.

Usage and cultural context: Shimeon is primarily found among communities with Hebrew or Yiddish-speaking ancestry. In the Bible, Shimon is the name of one of Jacob's twelve sons and the eponymous Tribe of Simeon, with later usage in the Greek and Latin texts as Simeon or Simon. In modern times, Shimon and its variants remain common, particularly in Israel and diaspora Jewish communities.

Notable people and examples: While Shimeon is a less common transliteration, contemporary and historical figures with closely related forms include Shimon Bar-Yochai, a Mishnaic-era sage; Shimon Peres, the Israeli statesman; and others bearing the variant name Shimon or Simeon in various languages.

See also: Simeon, Shimon, Simon.