Simmons

Origin and Meaning: Simmons is an English surname of patronymic origin, derived from the medieval given name "Sim(m)on", which itself comes from the Hebrew name "Shimon", meaning "hearkening" or "listening". The name was popularized in England following the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Regional Distribution: The surname Simmons has a long history in England and has spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The highest concentration of individuals with the surname Simmons can be found in the southern and southeastern regions of England.

Notable Individuals:

  • Russell Simmons - American entrepreneur, record executive, and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings.
  • Gene Simmons - Israeli-American musician, singer, and co-founder of the rock band Kiss.
  • J.K. Simmons - American actor known for his roles in movies such as "Whiplash" and the Spider-Man franchise.
  • Jean Simmons - British actress known for her performances in classic films such as "Hamlet" and "Spartacus".

Coat of Arms: The coat of arms associated with the Simmons surname typically features heraldic symbols such as lions, crosses, and other elements representing strength, faith, and loyalty.

Variants: Variants of the surname Simmons include Simons, Simmonds, and Simonsen.

Legacy: The Simmons surname has a rich history and has produced many notable individuals in various fields. It remains a popular and widespread surname, reflecting the enduring legacy of its origins in England.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.
  • Hanks, P. and Hodges, F. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1988.

There are approximately 24,882 people named Simmons in the UK. That makes it the 329th most common surname in Britain. Around 382 in a million people in Britain are named Simmons.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Angela
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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