Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
A name given to the apostle Simon (Mt. 10:4; Mk. 3:18). The word here does not, however, mean a descendant of Canaan, but is a translation, or rather almost a transliteration, of the Syriac word Kanenyeh (R.V. rendered "Cananaen"), which designates the Jewish sect of the Zealots. Hence he is called elsewhere (Lk. 6:15) "Simon Zelotes;" i.e., Simon of the sect of the Zealots.