Given name & surname
Simba
“resembling a lion”
Simba is used as a given name and a surname. One African interpretation is “resembling a lion.”
Meaning & origin
What it means
One African interpretation is “resembling a lion.”
Where it comes from
An origin associated with this spelling is African.
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1994. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Simba through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 171
- 171 boys · 0 girls
- Most popular year
- 2023
- 28 babies
- 2025
- 14
- #6,398 for boys
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- +52%
- Rising fast
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 14 U.S. birth records for boys, ranking No. 6,398 among boys’ names. Average annual use for boys was 51.7% higher in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 278 as a first name in 2020; 191 as a surname in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Simba’s family of names
Simba has a related form in Simbah. Simba has a related form in Symba. Simba has a related form in Symbah.
The ring: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 3
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Appears in
Similar names
If you love Simba, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Sekai
“one who brings laughter and great joy” · “one who laughs often”
90% boys · 10% girls
Baba
“born on a Thursday”
>99% boys
Sultan
“a ruler” · “one who is bold”
>99% boys
Azi
“one who is youthful”
>99% boys
Nalo
“a lovable daughter” · “one who is lovable”
>99% boys
Iniko
“daughter born during hardship” · “born during troubled times”
87% boys · 13% girls
Kimathi
“a determined provider”
>99% boys
Bash
“the forerunner” · “one who likes to party”
>99% boys