Simao

Simao is a Portuguese given name and surname. The standard Portuguese spelling is Simão, with a diacritic on the a; in contexts where diacritics are omitted, it appears as Simao. The name is the Portuguese form of Simon, itself derived from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning “he has heard.” It is used as a masculine name in Portuguese-speaking countries and can also be found as a surname, though less frequently.

In Portugal, Brazil and other Lusophone regions, Simão is a common first name across generations. The form is part of a broader Christian naming tradition, often associated with Saint Simon in Catholic contexts. The name is widely recognized in literature and popular culture within Portuguese-speaking communities and has produced various notable individuals in fields such as sports, politics, and the arts.

Variants and orthography vary by language and context. Simão remains the standard Portuguese form; Simao is used in non-Portuguese texts or computer systems that omit diacritics. The name also appears in compound forms and as part of longer given names in some families.

Overall, Simão/Simao stands as a traditional Portuguese name with deep linguistic roots and continued use across the Portuguese-speaking world, reflecting broader patterns of given names that travel with culture and religion.