Surname Simpson - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Simpson Tapestry: A Personal Journey through iGENEA DNA Test Results
Unveiling surprising facets of my lineage, the iGENEA DNA test altered my perception of the Simpson surname and my familial identity. My genetic journey extends from British roots to unexpected Nordic, Gaelic, and Central European connections, influencing a transformation in my view of family history and heritage.
G. Simpson
read moreSimpson: What does the surname Simpson mean?
The surname "Simpson" is of Scottish and Northern English origin, and is a patronymic form of the medieval personal name "Simon". In the Middle-Ages, this was a popular name, due to Simon Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ. So the surname Simpson means 'son of Simon'. It traces back to the ancient Hebrew name "Shim'on" which means 'hearkening' or 'listening'. Over time, it evolved in various languages as Simeon, Simen, Simon and then, Simpson (from Sim's son) in English. The name spread across regions as people migrated. Interestingly, it is also the last name of one of the world's most famous fictional families, 'The Simpsons'.
Order DNA origin analysisSimpson: Where does the name Simpson come from?
The last name Simpson is most commonly found in the United States, with the majority living in Texas, Georgia, and Florida. The most concentrated population of Simpsons is in the southern United States. It is also found in Canada, particularly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Outside of the United States and Canada, the last name Simpson is also common in England, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the United States, Simpson can be derived from either English or Scottish origins. Many Scottish immigrants bear the last name, likely as a surname of those from Scotland's Clan Simpson. In England, it is believed that the name Simpson is derived from the old English word "simp" which was used to refer to someone who was bald.
In terms of ethnic background, Simpson has multiple cultures. According to the 2010 Census, approximately 18.8 percent of Americans with the last name Simpson identified as White Non-Hispanic, followed by 15.60 percent African-American, 9.94 percent Hispanic, and 8.47 percent Asian. The remaining 47 percent were of other ethnicities or did not respond.
Overall, the Simpson last name is widespread across the United States and many other countries. While the name can have various cultural origins, some common traits are shared between Simpson's no matter their ethnic or geographic background - a sense of community and strong family ties.
Variations of the surname Simpson
The surname Simpson is an English and Scottish patronymic surname derived from the Hebrew given name "Simcha". It is derived from the Hebrew word for "joy". Variants of this surname include Simson, Simondson, Simm, Simmonds, Simmondson, Sympson, Symson, Sympsone, Simsalon, Simsony, Simons, Simonsen, and Simmons. Spelling variants of this surname include Simson, Simonds, Simondsone, Simondsonne, Sympson, Simpsone, Symson, Simons, Simsonne, Simmond, and Simms.
Surnames of similar origin include Syme, Symco, and Simcox, which all share the same root from the Hebrew given name Simcha. Similar surnames from other languages include Simms, Simsoni (Italian), Simson (German), and Sympson (Scandinavian).
In Scotland, the Simson spelling was pronounced "Simm-shun." In Wales, the spelling variants of the surname were usually pronounced "sim-sun," while in Ireland the surname was generally pronounced "sim-soun." In the United States, all variants of the surname were generally pronounced as "sim-sin," although this pronunciation is also found in Great Britain.
The modern surname Simpson is most specifically associated with the familiar television show characters, Homer, Bart, Marge, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson, who are of course fictional characters. However, the surname is much more widespread than just the Simpsons and can be found throughout the British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Simpson
- OJ Simpson: OJ Simpson is a former American football player, broadcaster, actor, and convicted felon. He is best known for being accused and eventually acquitted of the double murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1995.
- Jessica Simpson: Jessica Simpson is a singer, songwriter, actress, fashion designer, and businessperson. She started out performing in church and later rose to fame in the late 1990s after releasing her debut single "I Wanna Love You Forever".
- Ashlee Simpson: Ashlee Simpson is an American singer-songwriter, and the younger sister of Jessica Simpson. She first appeared on the reality television show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica with her sister and then-husband Nick Lachey in 2003.
- Homer Simpson: Homer Simpson is a fictional character from the animated TV series The Simpsons, voiced by Dan Castellaneta. He is the father of the Simpson family and is best known for his famous catchphrases such as "D'oh" and "Why, you little!"
- Marge Simpson: Marge Simpson is a fictional character from the animated series The Simpsons. She is the long-suffering wife of Homer Simpson and the mother of their three children; Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
- Bart Simpson: Bart Simpson is a fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons, voiced by Nancy Cartwright. He is the eldest child of Homer and Marge Simpson, and the brother of Lisa and Maggie.
- Maggie Simpson: Maggie Simpson is the youngest daughter of Homer and Marge Simpson, and the baby sister of Bart and Lisa. She is an infant, and is more commonly seen sucking on her pacifier than talking. Her catch phrase is "Ya-ha!"
- Alan Simpson: Alan Simpson is a former United States Senatore from Wyoming who was part of the "Gang of Fourteen" bipartisan coalition that united to limit the filibuster in the U.S. Senate. He also served as the co-chairman of President Barack Obama's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.