The Origin of the Simpsons and O.J. Simpson's Connection

The question of whether the Simpsons shared their name with O.J. Simpson is a topic of curiosity for many fans of the beloved animated series. Let's explore the truth behind the common surname and how the show came to be.

Common Surnames and Humor

The surname 'Simpson' is indeed a common one in both Britain and the United States. Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, chose this name not out of reverence for a specific individual, but for a different reason. He thought the word 'Simpson' had a comical element due to its proximity to the term 'simpleton.'

Many of the characters in the show, from Homer to Bart, often act in ways that could be seen as simpletons, which ties in perfectly with Groening's humorous inspiration.

The Humorous Metaphor

It's worth noting that the name is not related to the historical figure O.J. Simpson. In fact, the common belief that the name was meant as a tribute to him is a misconception. The original name of the show was actually 'The Simpletons,' a title that might have been temporarily used before Groening settled on 'The Simpsons.'

The idea behind 'The Simpletons' was more about the overall theme of the series, where most of the characters often act in a less-than-intelligent manner. This name evolved into 'The Simpsons,' a play on words that combined the common surname with the humorous idea of simpletons.

Chronology and Inspiration

While it is indeed possible that O.J. Simpson (born in 1947) had the name 'Simpson' before Matt Groening (born in 1954) came up with the idea for the characters, it is true that Groening invented the name much earlier in his career. The characters were first sketched as brief animations on 'The Tracey Ullman Show' starting in 1987. The full-length series that we all know as 'The Simpsons' premiered in 1989.

Groening has stated that he named the family for a personal touch, substituting 'Bart' for his own first name. He was very much interested in creating a dysfunctional family, a concept that resonated with his family background.

Notable People with the Name Simpson

Despite the commonality of the surname, it’s also important to mention that hundreds of notable people bear the name Simpson. From political figures to athletes and artists, the Simpson name has had its fair share of significance in various fields. However, none of them played a role in inspiring the cartoon series.

From a legal perspective, the name 'Simpson' didn’t derive from the word 'simpleton' (simpl- in simplon). Rather, it comes from the given name 'Simon,' which has its roots in the Latin name 'Simaniel,' meaning 'hearing God.' This etymology provides a link to biblical figures, adding another interesting dimension to the name.

Conclusion

In summary, the name 'Simpson' in The Simpsons is a testament to the clever wordplay and humor of Matt Groening. It was not chosen as a tribute or in honor of O.J. Simpson, but rather as a play on the common surname and a nod to the characters' often simplistic and comical behavior. The show's success is a testament to how a seemingly simple name can create an enduring, beloved series.