Pronunciation: [zˈa͡ɪmiːnz] (IPA) 
The word "Ximenes" is spelled with two syllables: /ʃɪˈmɛnɪz/. The first syllable starts with the sh sound, as in "she" (/ʃ/), followed by the vowel sound "i" (/ɪ/). The second syllable starts with the consonant sound "m" (/m/), followed by the vowel sound "e" (/ɛ/) and ending with the consonant sounds "n" and "s" (/nɪz/). The spelling of the word is derived from the Spanish surname "Jiménez," which has been Anglicized over time.
Ximenes refers to a surname of Spanish origin, derived from the given name Jimeno or Ximeno. It is primarily found in Spain and its diaspora.
As a surname, Ximenes often signifies a person belonging to a particular family or clan. The etymology of the name itself is believed to have Basque origins, suggesting a connection to the Basque region of Spain. The surname Ximenes is also commonly associated with individuals of Sephardic Jewish descent who converted to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition, as many Jewish surnames were altered or adopted by force during this time.
Furthermore, Ximenes can be linked to the renowned cryptic crossword puzzle compiler Don Derrick MacNutt, who adopted the pseudonym "Ximenes" during his tenure as the crossword editor for The Observer newspaper in London from 1939 to 1971. MacNutt, also known as Ximenes, is highly regarded for his influential work in developing rules and standards for the cryptic crossword genre.
In summary, Ximenes can refer to a surname of Spanish origin, associated with a specific family or clan, as well as the pseudonym of Don Derrick MacNutt, a notable cryptic crossword compiler.
The word "Ximenes" is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese surname "Jiménez" or "Ximénez". It is of patronymic origin, meaning it was initially used as a personal name to indicate someone's descent from or relation to someone named "Jimeno" or "Ximeno". "Jimeno" is a variant of the name "Simon", while "Ximeno" is an Old Spanish form of the name "Simon".
The name "Simon" itself has Hebrew origins and is derived from the Hebrew name "Shimʿon", meaning "he has heard" or "hearkening". It is a common biblical name, used for various figures in the Old and New Testaments.
Over time, the name "Jiménez" evolved and spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, with different spelling variations in different regions.
