What is the Most Common Male Name in the Bible?
Quick Summary
The most common male name in the Bible is Simon/Simeon, appearing more frequently across distinct individuals than any other male name. While names like David or Moses may be mentioned more times due to their prominence, Simon/Simeon refers to numerous different people throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This post explores the logic behind identifying the most common male name and highlights key individuals who bore it.
Introduction: How Do We Count Names in the Bible?
Before we name the most common male name in the Bible, it's important to clarify what we mean by "common."
Are we measuring total mentions of a name, even if it’s just one person? For example, David is mentioned over 1,000 times, but always refers to the same individual.
Or are we measuring how many distinct people had that name? That’s a different question — one that tells us which names were most widespread.
In this article, we’re looking at how many different individuals bore the same name in the Bible, rather than how many times a single person was mentioned. This gives us insight into naming trends and cultural patterns in the ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism.
The Case for Simon/Simeon
The name Simon (Greek) or Simeon (Hebrew) appears dozens of times in the Bible, often referring to entirely different individuals. It was a very common name in Jewish culture, especially in the Second Temple period.
Key Figures Named Simon or Simeon
Here are some of the most well-known individuals with the name:
Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 29:33)
Simeon, the devout man who held the infant Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:25)
Simon Peter, also known as the Apostle Peter (Matthew 4:18)
Simon the Zealot, one of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:15)
Simon the leper, who hosted Jesus (Mark 14:3)
Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus’ cross (Matthew 27:32)
Simon Iscariot, father of Judas Iscariot (John 6:71)
Simon the Pharisee, who invited Jesus to dinner (Luke 7:36)
Simon the Tanner, who housed Peter in Joppa (Acts 10:6)
That’s at least nine distinct Simons, just in the New Testament.
Why Was It So Common?
The popularity of the name likely stems from the tribal patriarch Simeon, one of Jacob’s sons and head of the tribe of Simeon. Over time, this biblical heritage made the name a favorite in Jewish households.
In the New Testament era, Simon was essentially the John or Michael of its time. Scholars note that nearly 1 in 10 Jewish men in Judea may have had the name Simon.
Other Common Male Names in the Bible
While Simon/Simeon takes the lead in distinct individual usage, other male names rank high for different reasons:
David
Number of mentions: Over 1,000 times
Unique individuals: Primarily one — King David of Israel
Joseph
Multiple Josephs appear:
Joseph, son of Jacob (Genesis 30:24)
Joseph, husband of Mary (Matthew 1:16)
Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50)
Joseph called Barsabbas (Acts 1:23)
John
John the Baptist (Luke 1:13)
John the Apostle (Matthew 10:2)
John Mark, cousin of Barnabas (Acts 12:12)
Zechariah/Zacharias
This name also appears frequently, including:
Zechariah the prophet (Zechariah 1:1)
Zechariah, father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5)
At least 29 individuals named Zechariah in the Hebrew Bible
Why It Matters
Recognizing the most common male names in the Bible helps us:
Understand cultural naming patterns in Israel and Judea
Clarify confusion when similar names appear in different stories
Deepen historical awareness about how names were reused and shared across generations
Knowing that there were many Simons or Josephs prevents us from conflating their stories. It also helps us appreciate the narrative complexity of scripture.
Conclusion: It’s Simon/Simeon
While David and Moses may dominate by total mentions, Simon/Simeon wins for being the most commonly shared male name across both testaments. From patriarchs to apostles, temple prophets to cross-bearers, the name Simon marks the lives of many biblical men.
This is a reminder that names carry more than identity — they hold tradition, memory, and meaning that transcend generations.
FAQ
Is Simon the same as Simeon in the Bible?
Yes. Simeon is the Hebrew form; Simon is the Greek equivalent used primarily in the New Testament.
How many Simons are in the New Testament?
At least nine distinct individuals are named Simon in the New Testament alone.
Is David the most mentioned name in the Bible?
Yes — David is mentioned more than 1,000 times, but it usually refers to just one person.
Was Simon a popular name in Jesus’ time?
Very much so. It was one of the most common male names among Jews in the first century.
