This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Simon,' from the nick. Sim, whence Simpson, with intrusive 'p', as in Thompson, Hampson, &c. Sims or Simms is the genitive of Sim; compare William and Williams.

Robertus Symmes, 1379: Poll Tax of Yorkshire.

Johannes Symson, 1379: ibid.

Thomas Symme, 1379: ibid.

Johannes Symmeson, 1379: ibid.

Johannes Symnson, 1379: ibid.

Christopher Sims, Berkshire, 1504: Register of the University of Oxford.

Ellen Simms, of Warrington, 1593: Wills at Chester.

1800. Married — Louis Baumes and Margaret Sim: St. George, Hanover Square.

Diminutives of Symon, Simeon, which see. In Symmie and his bruder, a satire in the vein of Peblis to the play, we have mention of "Bayth Sym and his bruder," and "Nowthir Syme nor his bruder." 11. 10, 20.

Sim is not always representative of Clan Moc-Shimidh as some think-it is a common English name as well. Sym Clerk witnessed an instrument of resignation in 1446 (REB., I, 109), John Sym de Banchry is recorded in 1503 (Cambus., p. 64), Andrew Sym was vicar of Cumry (Comrie) in 1530 (ibid., p. 182), and William Sym witnessed a precept of clare constat of 1548 (RD., p. 396). William Sym in Nether Possill is recorded in 1596 (Retours, Lanark, 9), Henry Sim was constable in the parish of Auchtermuchtie in 1633 (RPC., 2. ser. V, p. 94), John Syme ("Stamp-Office Johnnie") was a friend of Robert Burns, and James Syme (1799-1870), the eminent surgeon, was born in Fife. As iorename: Sym Carmichall, 1576 (Trials, I, p. 48). Cim 1562.

Same as Simson, which see, with intrusive p.

A diminutive of Simon, Simeon, q.v.

Thomas Symme.—Yorks Poll-Tax, A.D. 1379.

Bayth Sym and his bruder.—Symmie and his Bruder, 10.

1. A Buckinghamshire parish. 2. The son of Simon. The Simpsons of Knaresborongh deduce their lineage from the time of Edward the Confessor, and from Archil, a Saxon thane, living in that reign, and in the reign of the Conqueror. Among his other possessions was the manor of Clint in Yorkshire, where his posterity resided in the XIII. and XIV. centuries, writing themselves De Clynt. The name of Simpson (or Simon's son) was adopted from Symon, son of William de Clynt, who was living in the year 1300. See B.L.G. However contrary to our modern notions of good taste, there are several other instances of families having disused a territorial surname in favour of a patronymical one.

Vide, Syme.

Simpson. —Characteristic of the northern half of England. Yorkshire is its great home, it being very numerous in the North and East Ridings. In the surrounding counties of Durham, Lancashire, Cheshire, Stafford, and Derby, it is also well represented. Though it has established itself in some measure in Suffolk and Essex, it is with these exceptions eminently a name of the northern counties and northern midlands. It is represented over a large part of Scotland, but is rare in the north.