SIMPSON
Simpson
Origin and Meaning
Simpson is a popular surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Sim," which is a short form of the name Simon. The name Simon itself is of Greek origin, meaning "he who hears" or "listener."
History
The Simpson surname has ancient roots in England, dating back to the medieval era. It is believed to have originated as a patronymic surname, indicating a person's descent from a man named Simon or Sim. The name was first recorded in England in the 12th century.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Simpson is widely distributed, both in the United Kingdom and around the world. It is particularly common in England and Scotland, where it ranks among the top surnames. The name has spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous Individuals
The Simpson surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including:
- Jessica Simpson - American singer, actress, and fashion designer.
- O.J. Simpson - Former American football player and actor.
- Wallis Simpson - Duchess of Windsor, known for her controversial marriage to King Edward VIII.
Variants
Variants of the Simpson surname include Simson and Simmonds. These variations may have emerged due to regional dialects or phonetic spellings over time.
Coat of Arms
The Simpson family is associated with a coat of arms that typically features symbols such as a lion, a shield, or a crest. These heraldic symbols vary depending on the specific branch of the Simpson family.
In conclusion, the Simpson surname is a distinguished and widespread name with deep historical roots in England. It continues to be a prominent surname in contemporary society, carried by individuals across various professions and regions.
There are approximately 97,779 people named Simpson in the UK. That makes it the 55th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,501 in a million people in Britain are named Simpson.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.