Surname Simmen - Meaning and Origin

Discovering Genetics and Ancestry: How iGENEA DNA test Influenced My View On Simmen Family Heritage

The results of my iGENEA DNA tests have reshaped my understanding of my surname Simmen, playfully unveiling its storied past. I found connections with Celtic, Viking, and Central Asian cultures, fostering a deepened sense of heritage and appreciation for the multifarious backstories that contribute to my identity.

V. Simmen

Simmen: What does the surname Simmen mean?

The last name Simmen is relatively rare and is believed to have originally been a patronymic surname deriving from the given name “Simon,” a popular Hebrew name derived from the Hebrew Shim’on (which means “hearkening” or “he who hears”). As many European surnames, Simmen is believed to have originated in Germany and Switzerland, with the name gradually becoming anglicized and spread throughout the world as immigrants to other countries acquired the surname.

Today, the root spelling is still found in both countries, often with different variations such as Syman, Siman, Simens, Simons, and Sloman. Beyond Germany and Switzerland, the surname is also found in England, France, and the United States.

In terms of the personal characteristics associated with the name, individuals with the last name Simmen are believed to be inventors, creative, individuals who possess a drive to succeed, and leaders who are willing to stand alone when necessary. Those who possess the last name Simmen are also seen as artistic, imaginative, and eager to explore.

Overall, although there is limited information on the personal nature of individuals associated with the surname Simmen, it is believed to be a hereditary name, typically of Germanic or Swiss origin, and often anglicized with variations in different parts of the world, with those who possess the name depicted as inventive, creative, and tenacious.

Simmen: Where does the name Simmen come from?

The last name Simmen is most commonly found in Switzerland, where it is recorded as being the most frequently used surname. According to the genealogy website, Geogen, Simmen is one of the top 100 most common surnames in Switzerland with over 10,000 individuals bearing the name. Furthermore, this surname is found throughout the Central and Western parts of Switzerland, particularly in large concentrations in the cantons of Lucerne, Zurich, Bern, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Aargau.

Outside of Switzerland, the Simmen surname is found primarily in France, Germany and Austria. In France, it is mainly found in the southwest and regions of Brittany, Burgundy, and center-east of the country. In Germany, Simmen is most common in the federal states of Baden-Wurtemberg and Bavaria. In Austria it is most prevalent in the Tyrol region and in Vienna. There is also a smaller presence of Simmen in the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and Colombia.

Simmen is thought to be derived from the Old High German word 'simman' which means plentiful, rich or prosperous. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone perceived to be well off, or financially successful. Originally known as Siman, the surname was later changed to Simmon or Siminen in some areas, which eventually became Simmen.

Variations of the surname Simmen

The surname Simmen has various origin and spelling changes. The most common spelling variations for this surname are Siman, Simen, Symon, Simon, Symonne, Simeon, Symmon, Simmonds, Semon, Simons, Simeons, Simmons, Simmonds, and Simonson.

The Simmen surname has its root in the Middle Ages, but being of predominately Jewish origin, can also trace its roots to biblical times. This surname is derived from the Hebrew name "Shimeon", meaning "hearing". In the Christian context, it is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Simeon, derived from the element "συμεων"Syméōn, meaning "hearing".

The early forms of the Simmen surname appeared in Jewish records in Europe as Siman and Symon around the 12th century. In Switzerland, the earliest record of a Simmen dates back to the late 16th century. In England, the Simmen name can be found as early as 1279.

The Simmen surname varies depending on what culture it belongs to in different counties and regions. In German, the surname is often spelled as Siman. In parts of Austria, the surname is usually spelled Simen, and in Eastern Europe, it is often spelled Symon. In Scotland, the surname is usually found as Simmonds, while in Northern Ireland it is found most often as Simeon, Symmon, Simonson, or Simons.

The Simmen surname is found all over Europe, but it is especially prevalent in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. However, the variations of the surname can also be found in the United States and elsewhere, as family members have been known to migrate.

Famous people with the name Simmen

• Mathias Simmen: Swiss skier who competed at the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics
• Jim Simmen: American Major League Baseball player from 1935-1945
• Wolfgang Simmen: Swiss alpine ski racer
• Jürg Simmen: Swiss Olympic bobsledder
• Peter Simmen: Swiss ice hockey player
• Patrick Simmen: former Swiss footballer
• Steve Simmen: American actor appearing in the television series “Boy Meets World”
• Al Simmen: American soldier killed in action during the Vietnam War
• Will Simmen: British fashion photographer who specializes in black and white street photography
• Gerry Simmen: Belgian football player

Other surnames

SimmeitSimmelerSimmermanSimmermannSimmet