Boy New Testament Known
Simon
that hears; that obeys
Σίμων Simōn
Simon (Greek: Σίμων, Simōn) means “that hears; that obeys”, by traditional interpretation. It belongs to one man who carries two names in the text — he is also called Peter. In 2025 it was given to 1,529 children in the United States, ranking 230. Around 70,444 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears in the same passages as Aeneas.
Which Simon?
Ten men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Simon
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Simon
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Simon
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Simon
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Simon
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Simon
father of Judas Iscariot
Show all 10 bearers
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Simon
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Simon
son of Mary
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Simon
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Simon
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 198 across 9 books
- Bearers
- 10 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Gospels
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Matthew 4:18 |
| Last appears | 2 Peter 1:1 |
| Two names, one person | Peter/Simon |
| Cross-references | 4,840 linked passages |
The same name elsewhere
| Country | Form | Standing | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Simon | rank 230 · 1,529 in 2025 | Births in year |
| Argentina | SIMON | 779 registrations | Births in year |
| Brazil | SIMAO | 11,635 bearers · born 1930–2010 | Living residents |
| Spain | SIMON | 10,326 bearers · mean age 37.7 | Living residents |
| Portugal | Simão | permitted | IRN approved list |
Two different questions are shown here. Rows marked births in year count children registered during a period; rows marked living residents count people of every age alive at a census. They answer different questions and are never added together.
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 1,529 | Steady |
| All-time total | 70,444 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 1,653 in 2015 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | CA | Highest share relative to births |
Names connected to this one
- Peter renaming pair Renamed Peter by Jesus at John 1:42 — one person, two names in the text.
- John co-occurrence Appears with John in Acts 3.
- James co-occurrence Appears with James in Acts 1.
- Andrew co-occurrence Appears with Andrew in John 1.
- Zebedee co-occurrence Appears with Zebedee in Matthew 10.
- Alphaeus co-occurrence Appears with Alphaeus in Acts 1.
- Bartholomew co-occurrence Appears with Bartholomew in Acts 1.
- Jude co-occurrence Appears with Jude in Mark 6.
Origin & meaning
Σίμων, -ωνος, ὁ
a Greek name (transliterated סִימוֺן in Heb.) used as a substitute for Συμεών (which see), Simon
__1. Simon Peter: Mat.17:25, Mrk.1:29, al.
__2. Simon the Zealot (see: ζηλωτής, Καναναῖος): Mat.10:4, Mrk.3:18, Luk.6:15, Act.1:13.
__3. One of the Brethren of our Lord (see: ἀδελψός): Mat.13:55, Mrk.6:3.
__4. The father of Judas Iscariot, himself surnamed Ἰσκαριώτης (which see): Jhn.6:71 12:4 (Rec.) 13:2,26
__5. Simon the Cyrenian: Mat.27:32, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26.
__6. Simon the Pharisee: Luk.7:40, 43-44.
__7. Simon of Bethany, surnamed ὁ λεπρός: Mat.26:6, Mrk.14:3.
__8. Simon Magus, a Samaritan sorcerer: Act.8:9, 13 8:18, 24.
__9. Simon the tanner, of Joppa: Act.9:43 10:6, 17 10:32
(AS)
Simon was a tanner in Joppa who hosted the apostle Peter in his home.
The biblical story
Simon, a tanner by trade, is mentioned in the book of Acts as a resident of Joppa who hosted the apostle Peter (Act.9.43; 10.6,17,32). As a tanner, Simon worked with animal hides to produce leather, a profession that was considered unclean by Jewish religious standards. Despite this, Peter stayed with Simon for many days, indicating a growing openness in the early church to interact with Gentiles and those considered unclean. During his stay at Simon's house, Peter received a vision from God in which he was told not to call anything impure that God has made clean (Act.10.9-16). This vision prepared Peter for his encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, whom God had directed to send for Peter (Act.10.17-33). Peter's time at Simon the tanner's house marks a significant shift in the early church's understanding of the gospel's inclusivity and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
Key verses
Simon appears in 5 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Acts 8:13 -
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Acts 9:43 -
He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
Acts 10:6 -
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
Acts 10:17 -
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Acts 10:32
Show all 5 references
Acts (5)
- Acts 8:13
- Acts 9:43
- Acts 10:6
- Acts 10:17
- Acts 10:32
Name variants & nicknames
- Simeon — related Hebrew form
- Simón — Spanish
- Simão — Portuguese
- Shimon — Hebrew form