The Scottish surname Simm, also found in England, is of patronymic origin meaning son of Sim. The personal name Sim is an abbreviated version of Simon common in the Midle ages, itself ultimately from the Hebrew name Shimeon meaning "he who hears". Early records of the name in England include Ralph Simme who appears in the Assize Court rolls of the county of Kent in 1234. John Symme is recorded in the court rolls of the borough of Colchester in 1345.