Šimek is a Czech, Slovak, and Croatian surname that originated as a patronymic, derived from the given name Šimon, the local form of Simon meaning "hearing" or "listening."
Etymology and Origins
The surname Šimka is a diminutive of the personal name Šimon, which itself corresponds to the biblical Simon. The name Simon ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Shimʿon, from the root shamaʿ meaning "to hear." In the New Testament, Simon is the original name of the apostle Peter, making the name widespread in Christian cultures. The diminutive suffix -ek in Czech and Slovak signifies "little" or serves as an affectionate form, so Šimek originally likely meant "little Šimon" or "son of Šimon."
Notable Bearers
- David Šimek (born 1998), Czech footballer
- Juraj Šimek (born 1987), Slovak-born Swiss ice hockey player
- Karlo Šimek (born 1988), Croatian footballer
- Miloslav Šimek (1940–2004), Czech comedian
- Miroslav Šimek (born 1959), Czech slalom canoer
- Radim Šimek (born 1992), Czech ice hockey player
The name also appears in Anglicized form as Shimek or Simek, and in Germanized form as Schimek. An asteroid, 14098 Šimek, was named in honor of a bearer of this surname.
Variants
Other Languages & Cultures
Sources: Wikipedia — Šimek