Contents [hide]

Simons History Etymology Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Citations

Simons History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France
Italy
Israel
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Simons

What does the name Simons mean?

The notable Simons family arose among the Cornish People, a race with a rich Celtic heritage and an indomitable fighting spirit who inhabited the southwest of England. While surnames were well-known during the English medieval period, Cornish People originally used only a single name. The way in which hereditary surnames came into common use is interesting. As the population of medieval Europe multiplied, people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Under the Feudal System of government, surnames evolved and they often reflected life on the manor and in the field. Patronymic surnames were derived from given names and were the predominant type of surname among the Celtic peoples of Britain. However, the people of Cornwall provide a surprising exception to this rule, and patronymic surnames are less common among them than other people of Celtic stock, such as their Welsh neighbors. This is due to the greater influence of English bureaucracy and naming practices in Cornwall at the time that surnames first arose. This type of surname blended perfectly with the prevailing Feudal System. One feature that is occasionally found in Cornish surnames of this type is the suffix -oe or -ow; this is derived from the Cornish plural suffix -ow. is a patronymic surname that came from the first name of the bearer's father, meaning literally "son of Simon." Alternatively, the name could have "come from the Domesday name Simund, which is distinct from Simon." 1

Simon was a popular biblical name and comes ultimately from the ancient Hebrew personal name Shimon, meaning "to hearken." 2

The name appears as a character in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales: 'Awake, Simond, the fend is on me fall.'

Early Origins of the Simons family

The surname Simons was first found in Devon and in Cornwall, where the family held a family seat since ancient times.

The ancient Latin form of the name Simmunddnrus was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. 3

Simeon or Symeon of Durham (fl. 1130), was an English historian, a monk of Durham, being thirty-eighth on his own list of the monks of that house. Saint Simeon Stock (1165?-1265), was general of the Carmelite friars and is said to have been born in Kent of noble parents about 1165. "From his earliest years he was devoted to religion, and, according to the legend, owed his surname to the fact that from his twelfth year he lived a hermit's life in the trunk or stock of a tree for twenty years. " 4

Simeon of Warwick (died 1295), was an English historian who became a Benedictine monk at St. Mary's, York, and in 1258 was elected abbot.

In Scotland, the first records of the family were "Symon, capellanus, [who] witnessed a charter by William Bruce to Adam Carlyle, c. 1194-1214, and Symon or Simon, archidiaconus of Aberdeen, a charter witness, 1172." 5

Early History of the Simons family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Simons research. Another 113 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1178, 1273, 1379, 1388, 1475, 1487, 1500, 1525, 1528, 1586, 1614, 1617, 1623, 1624, 1640, 1665, 1687, 1692, 1815 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Simons History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Simons Spelling Variations

Cornish surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The official court languages, which were Latin and French, were also influential on the spelling of a surname. Since the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent in medieval times, and scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings of their surname in the ancient chronicles. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into England, which accelerated and accentuated the alterations to the spelling of various surnames. Lastly, spelling variations often resulted from the linguistic differences between the people of Cornwall and the rest of England. The Cornish spoke a unique Brythonic Celtic language which was first recorded in written documents during the 10th century. However, they became increasingly Anglicized, and Cornish became extinct as a spoken language in 1777, although it has been revived by Cornish patriots in the modern era. The name has been spelled Symons, Symonds, Symond, Simmins, Simins, Simmonds, Simonds, Simond, Simmons, Simon, Simmon, Simmen, Symon and many more.

Early Notables of the Simons family

Notable amongst the family at this time was John Symons, M.P. for Helston in 1388; Thomas Simon (c. 1623-1665), English medalist, born in Yorkshire who studied engraving under Nicholas Briot; Samuel Simmons (1640-1687), an English printer, best known as the first publisher of several works by John Milton; Abraham Simon (1617-1692?), an English medalist to the Royal Mint with his brother, Thomas Simon (c. 1623-1665); and Richard Symonds (1617-1692?), an English Royalist and antiquary, best known for his eye-witness diary of the events of the First English Civil War. Sir George Simeon was an English landowner and politician, Member of Parliament...
Another 114 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Simons Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Simons World Ranking

In the United States, the name Simons is the 1,357^th most popular surname with an estimated 22,383 people with that name. 6 However, in New Zealand, the name Simons is ranked the 852^nd most popular surname with an estimated 859 people with that name. 7 And in Netherlands, the name Simons is the 115^th popular surname with an estimated 9,198 people with that name. 8 South Africa ranks Simons as 887^th with 7,848 people. 9

Migration of the Simons family to Ireland

Some of the Simons family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 62 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Simons migration to the United States +

A look at the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Simons:

Simons Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Robert and William Simons, who settled in Virginia in 1606
William Simons, who landed in Jamestown, Va in 1607 10
Roger Simons, who landed in America in 1620 10
Thomas Simons, who arrived in Maryland in 1642 10
Hendrickje Simons, who landed in America in 1646 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simons Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Susan Simons, who landed in Virginia in 1703 10
Richard Simons, who landed in Virginia in 1711 10
George Simons, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 10

Simons Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Gerhard Simons, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1805 10
John Simons, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1810 10
Pedro Simons, who arrived in New Orleans, La in 1813 10
Manuel G Simons, aged 21, who landed in New Orleans, La in 1837 10
John N Simons, aged 78, who arrived in New Orleans, La in 1839 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simons migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Simons Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century

John Simons, who was a boatkeeper in St. John's Harbour, Newfoundland, in 1682 11

Simons Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Robert Simons, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Mr. Titus Simons U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 12
Mr. Titus Geer Simons U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 12
Mr. Titus Simons Sr., U.E. who settled in Home District [York County], Ontario c. 1784 he was a Quarter Master 12
Mr. Henry Simons U.E. who settled in Thurlow [Belleville], Hastings County, Ontario c. 1790 he served in the Loyal Rangers 12

Simons Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Dan Simons, who arrived in Canada in 1828
Gehrhard Simons, who landed in Manitoba in 1874
Cornelius Simons, who landed in Manitoba in 1874
Jacob Simons, who arrived in Manitoba in 1875
Berhard Simons, who landed in Manitoba in 1876
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simons migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Simons Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Solomon Simons, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. William Simons, (b. 1800), aged 20, British carpenter who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life for theft, transported aboard the "Caledonia" on 5th July 1820, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 14
Henry Simons, a bricklayer, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
Joseph Simons, English convict from Northampton, who was transported aboard the "Agincourt" on July 6, 1844, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 15
Mr. John Simons, (b. 1812), aged 33 born in Bodmin, Cornwall, UK convicted in Bodmin on 8th April 1845, sentenced for 15 years for stealing sheep, transported aboard the ship "Equestrian" in 1845 to Van Diemen's Land, Tasmania, Australia 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simons migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Simons Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Walter Simons, British settler arriving as Detachment of the Royal New Zealand Fencibles travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Sir George Symour" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 26th November 1847 17
Mrs. Catherine Simons née Wilton, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Sir George Symour" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 26th November 1847 17
Mr. William Simons, (b. 1843), aged 20, British farm labourer travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lancashire Witch" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 13th October 1863 18
Amelia Simons, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Empress" in 1865
Mr. Vincent T. Simons, (b. 1869), aged 9 months, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship 'Merope' arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 27th October 1870 18
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Simons (post 1700) +

James Harris Simons (1938-2024), American hedge fund manager, mathematician, and philanthropist, founder of Renaissance Technologies, a quantitative hedge fund based in East Setauket, New York in 2023, Simons' net worth was estimated to be $29.4 billion
Richard Duncan Simons (1927-2022), American jurist and politician from New York, Acting Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals from 1992 to 1993
Jim Simons (1950-2005), American PGA professional golfer
Howard Simons (1929-1989), American journalist
Henry Calvert Simons (1899-1948), American economist
Billy Simons (b. 1983), American singer-songwriter
Barbara Simons (b. 1941), American computer scientist, past president of the Association for Computing Machinery
Arthur D "Bull" Simons (1918-1979), American military officer, best known for leading Operation Ivory Coast, an attempted rescue of American prisoners of war from the Vietcong prison at Son Tay
Mr. William Simons, Welsh coal mine pumpman working in Abercarn coal mine in Wales on 11th September 1878, he was awarded the Albert Medal for lifesaving
Walter Simons (1861-1937), German lawyer and politician
... (Another 9 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Simons family +

Lady of the Lake

Mr. James Simons (b. 1785), Irish traveller from Ireland who sailed aboard the "Lady of the Lake" from Greenock, Scotland on 8th April 1833 to Quebec, Canada when the ship hit ice and sunk of the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th May 1833 and he died in the sinking

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/caledonia
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 24) Agincourt voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1844 with 226 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/agincourt/1844
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 30th May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/tasmanian_convicts_cornish.pdf
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html