Šimon is the Czech and Slovak form of Simon 1. This name ultimately derives from the Hebrew שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimʿon), meaning "hearing, listening," from the root shamaʿ ("to hear"). In the Old Testament, Simeon (the variant used in English translations) was the second son of Jacob and Leah. In the New Testament, Simon is borne by several figures, most notably Simon Peter, the leading apostle whom Jesus renamed Peter. Due to Saint Peter's prominence, the name Simon became widespread across Christian Europe.