Meaning & History
Portuguese Form of Simon
Simão is the Portuguese form of Simon 1, derived through Old Portuguese Simon from Latin and Greek sources. The name ultimately traces back to the Hebrew Shimʿon, meaning “hearing” or “listening,” from the root shamaʿ (“to hear”). In the Old Testament, this name appears as Simeon, borne by the second son of Jacob, while the New Testament spelling Simon shows possible influence from the unrelated Greek name Simon 2.
Notable Bearers
In the New Testament, Simon is the name of several figures, including Simon Peter, the foremost apostle. Due to his significance, the name became widespread among Christians. In Portugal and other Lusophone countries, Simão has been a common given name for centuries, appearing in many Catholic contexts. The surname Simões (with the plural -es) is a patronymic meaning “son of Simão.”
Cultural Significance
In Portuguese-speaking regions, Simão remains a traditional name, often found in literature and history. Minor variants include the obsolete spellings Simaõ and Simam. The variant Simão also exists as a surname, used independently of the given name.
- Meaning: “hearing, listening”
- Origin: Hebrew Shimʿon
- Type: Given name (male)
- Usage regions: Portuguese-speaking world
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Simão