A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Simon since 1880
Babies named Simon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2015, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Simon's real moment was 1888.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 841 |
| 1890s | 731 |
| 1900s | 778 |
| 1910s | 2,780 |
| 1920s | 3,210 |
| 1930s | 2,124 |
| 1940s | 2,068 |
| 1950s | 2,120 |
| 1960s | 2,194 |
| 1970s | 3,574 |
| 1980s | 5,395 |
| 1990s | 7,514 |
| 2000s | 13,428 |
| 2010s | 14,880 |
| 2020s | 8,646 |
Meaning & origin
Simon is a classic biblical name with enduring appeal. It has been in recorded use in the United States since at least 1880, when it was first recorded. Its peak in popularity came early in 1888, but after a long decline, the name has been on an upward trajectory since 1990, reflecting a broader revival of traditional names. Currently ranked 230th in 2025, it is given to roughly 1 in every 1,117 newborn boys, showing a steady return. The name is particularly favored in the District of Columbia, Vermont, and Minnesota, states where more distinctive classic names often resonate. Simon's strong New Testament associations and simple, strong sound give it a solid footing that feels both historical and contemporary.
Simon derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, from the verb shama, meaning 'to hear.' In the Old Testament, Simon was the second son of Jacob and Leah. In the New Testament, Simon was the original name of Peter, the Apostle, making it a foundational name in Christian tradition. The name was commonly used among early Christians and has remained in use across Europe and the English-speaking world.
Where Simon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Simon” around the world
Where Simon lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#56
in 2024
Ireland
19
babies in 2025
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
46
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sim, Simmy, Si
Sibling names for Simon
Names that share Simon's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hannah, Sarah, Leah, Anna, Catherine, Audra, Cecilia, Celeste, Claire, Hilary, Mara, Margo, Maxine, Naomi, Tabitha, Carman, Clementine, Dahlia, Daphne, Delia, Estella, Ester, Karis, Lenora, Lucinda, Marin, Meryl, Prudence, Rosalind, Salome, Serina, Violette, Yitty, Alysse, Charissa, Charlena, Cozette, Daphney, Evelynne, Glinda, Jocelin, Kamilla, Lianne, Madalene, Madelene, Madelon, Marni, Meranda, Meridith, Rosaline, Sarena, Symone, Tabetha, Zelie, Abra, Alese, Anglia, Annel, Annora, Anora, Cherith, Corinn, Daphene, Daphna, Daphnee, Elisse, Elita, Estee, Gwendelyn, Gwendolen, Hilarie, Isidora, Janeva, Jessamyn, Julaine, Justyne, Lareen, Loura, Meleny, Monic, Renia, Roselind, Seline, Steffi, Tabbatha, Tedra, Valli, Zissy, Anique, Betania, Bethania, Celise, Cimone, Corinda, Elania, Genova, Gizel, Ilyssa, Jenavie, Juline, Leannah, Lenea, Linnaea, Marca, Melisse, Norie, Renada, Roselinda, Rosslyn, Samona, Serrina, Sheyna, Sigourney, Subrina, Vanissa, Ilisa, Merin, Silvie, Tamsyn, Adaleen, Adelei, Adeliz, Daphyne, Darria, Ellicia, Faydra, Geneive, Jamina, Josabet, Magdelene, Mathea, Monicia, Monik, Norelle, Olivet, Prue, Romonia, Sabrie, Salisa, Sanora, Suprina, Symia, Tabbetha, Verita
Brothers: James, John, Thomas, Joseph, David, Elliott, Felix, Homer, Ruben, Andreas, Dexter, Galen, Jarvis, Johann, Marice, Matthias, Quincy, Remy, Rubin, Westley, Aldon, Giles, Jarom, Kasper, Lazarus, Levin, Lionell, Niles, Zacchaeus, Zacharias, Adric, Adrion, Andreus, Charbel, Dashel, Dorion, Essex, Gordan, Homar, Jessup, Judas, Nygel, Quince, Sabian, Sabin, Thadius, Theordore, Timon, Wynton, Corbet, Johannes, Kennet, Leven, Phares, Rayner, Tedric, Tymon, Vincient, Augusten, Bolivar, Clarion, Mavin, Nicolis, Rosser, Ruven, Sanuel, Thadd, Thaddeaus
Names like Simon
Names whose popularity has moved with Simon's over the last 50 years.
