Shimon

Shimon is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It is the Hebrew form of the name Simon and is widely used in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world. In religious and historical contexts, Shimon is a name borne by biblical figures and by later generations of Jews who carried the tradition into modern naming.

The etymology of Shimon is linked to the Hebrew root meaning “to hear.” The common interpretation of the name is “God has heard” or simply “he has heard.” In the Hebrew Bible, Shimon (often transliterated as Simeon) is the name of one of Jacob’s sons, and the tribe of Simeon derives its name from him. In Jewish and Christian traditions, the name later appears in various forms such as Shim’on and, in Greek, Simon, which influenced later English forms like Simon.

In modern times, Shimon remains a popular given name among Hebrew-speaking communities. Notable individuals include Shimon Peres (1923–2016), Israeli statesman and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Shimon Dotan, an Israeli documentary filmmaker. The name is also widely used in diaspora communities, where it often reflects cultural and religious heritage.

Overall, Shimon is a traditional Hebrew name with biblical roots and enduring usage in contemporary Hebrew-speaking societies, embodying a sense of historical continuity within Jewish naming practices.