Surname Simek - Meaning and Origin
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Simek: What does the surname Simek mean?
The name Simek is a Czech or Slovak surname that originates from the Greek name Simon. It has variants including Simon, Simicek, Sydek, and Sykora. It is derived from the Hebrew name Shimeon, meaning “hearkening to God”.
In Czech and Slovak cultures, the surname Simek is associated with noble families of European descent. Many of these families were landowners and were known to have political influence.
The popularity of the name Simek has steadily increased since the late nineteenth century. It is now commonplace, particularly in the Czech Republic and parts of Slovakia.
The name Simek can be seen variously throughout history. Variations of the name have been found in Bohemia from as early as 1530. It is also found in records kept by the Czech National Bank. During the early twentieth century, several members of a distinct branch of the Simek family fought in World War I.
Simek is generally seen as a proud, respected name that originates from an ancient noble heritage. It means “hearkening to God”, and often carries the connotation of strength and respect.
Order DNA origin analysisSimek: Where does the name Simek come from?
The last name Simek is most commonly found in the Czech Republic and also in Slovakia. It's a Slavic name, which means it likely dates back to at least the 11th century. Simek is the 10th most common surname in the Czech Republic. It is believed to have originated in regions like Moravia and Bohemia. It is also found in neighboring countries like Poland and Austria, and in parts of the United States and Canada with large emigrant Czech populations.
In the Czech Republic, Simek is an occupational name. It comes from the word šimek, which is an old Czech word for leather worker. In some instances, it may also have been the name for a cloth worker. The name was likely adopted by someone working in this trade at some point.
In the United States, Simek has been popular in areas with large Czech immigrant populations, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Chicago. Around the world, people with the name Simek can be found in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Canada, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Simek
Simek is a Czech surname that is derived from the Latin word simonia, which roughly translates to “simon”. As a result, Simek is a variation of the names Simo, Sima, Simona, and Simon. In some cases, variations in spelling including Simek, Simsk, Simk, Simack, and Simonik are occasionally seen.
Simek is also a common surname among immigrants to the United States from Czech lands, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In the US, the Simek name is often seen spelled as Simak, Simick, Simhek, Simcek, and even Simke.
Simek is also found in the countries of Germany and Poland as well. In Germany, the name is spelled Simmek, Simack, Simke, and Simmik while in Poland it is spelled Simcek, Simck, Simik, Simiknik, and Simoak.
In Italy, the name is found as Simac. In Croatia, the Simek name is found spelled as Simec, Simic, Simicek, Simicic, Simick, Simik, Simivic, Simcic, and Simec.
In Hungary, the surname is found spelled as Simka, Simkó, and Simuk. In Romania the surname is found spelled as Şimic and Simic.
In short, the Simek surname has a wide variety of variants and spellings that can be found across Europe and the United States. Each variant has its own unique twist on the origin of the name: simon.
Famous people with the name Simek
- Ivo Simek: Czech professional ice hockey player who last played with the Olomouc HC of the Czech Extraliga.
- Jesper Simek: Danish retired professional footballer who played as a defender in the Danish Superliga.
- David Simek: Czech former ice hockey player who played in the Czech Extraliga.
- Milan Šimek: Czech politician who served as the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic from 1998 to 2002.
- Miloš Simek: Czech billionaire business magnate and former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic (2018–2020).
- Andreas Simek: Finnish professional ice hockey centre who played in the SM-liiga.
- Karel Simek: Czech footballer who played for FK Dukla Prague.
- Vladimir Simek: Czech professional football player who plays for FC Baník Ostrava.
- Marek Simek: Czech rally driver who competed in the 2018 World Rally Championship.
- Lubor Simek: Czech footballer who played for FK Salcburk.