The Simpson family tree centers on Homer and Marge Simpson and their three children, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, with deep roots extending through the Bouvier and Simpson lines, plus a wide network of extended relatives introduced over the show’s decades-long run. The core family is consistent, but the broader tree is a patchwork of canon, retcons, and joke relatives, so any complete chart must note which connections are firmly established and which are one-off gags.
The Core Nuclear Family
At the heart of the tree are Homer Jay Simpson and Marjorie Jacqueline Bouvier. They married in 1989 (as shown in the “I Married Marge” flashback) and have three children:
- Bart (Bartholomew JoJo Simpson), the eldest, born in 1981 (per “Bart Gets an F” and later episodes).
- Lisa (Lisa Marie Simpson), born in 1983 (her birth is depicted in “Lisa’s First Word”).
- Maggie (Margaret Evelyn Simpson), born in 1988 (her birth is the subject of the episode “Lisa’s First Word” and the movie).
Homer was born in 1956 (“The Way We Was” places him in high school in 1974, and “Homer’s Odyssey” gives his birth year as 1956). Marge was born in 1956 as well, though her exact birth date is less consistently stated. The family lives at 742 Evergreen Terrace in Springfield.
The Simpson Side: Homer’s Parents and Siblings
Homer’s parents are Abraham (Abe) Simpson and Mona Simpson. Abe, born in 1920 (“The Way We Was” and “Grampa vs. Sexual Inadequacy”), is a World War II veteran who raised Homer alone after Mona left in the 1960s. Mona, a fugitive from the law for a protest act, was long thought dead; her return is explored in “Mother Simpson” and “Mona Leaves-a.”
Homer has two half-brothers from his father’s later marriage to a woman named Bea (shown in “The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase” and “A Tale of Two Springfields”):
- Abbie – a British half-brother introduced in “The Regina Monologues.”
- Herb Powell – a wealthy half-brother who appears in “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” and later episodes.
Homer also has a half-sister, Abbie’s sister is not named, but he has a half-sister named Mona Jr. (not to be confused with his mother) who appears in “The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase” as a joke. Additionally, Homer has a paternal half-sister named Abbie (the same name as the brother) in some sources, but this is inconsistent. The show has also introduced a half-brother named Moe (in “Moe Goes from Rags to Riches”) but that was a one-off fantasy.
Homer’s paternal grandfather is Orville Simpson, who appears in “The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular” as a photo. His great-grandfather is Elmo Simpson, seen in “The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular” as well. The family is of Scottish descent, as revealed in “The Simpsons Movie” and “The Principal and the Pauper” (though that episode is often considered non-canon).
The Bouvier Side: Marge’s Family
Marge’s parents are Clancy Bouvier and Jacqueline Bouvier (née Gurney). Clancy, a travel agent, died in 2005 (“The Way We Weren’t” and “The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular” show his death). Jacqueline, a socialite, appears in many episodes, often disapproving of Homer.
Marge has two sisters:
- Patty Bouvier – the older twin, who works at the DMV with Selma.
- Selma Bouvier – the other twin, who has been married multiple times (to Troy McClure, Lionel Hutz, and others) and adopts a Chinese daughter, Ling, in “Goo Goo Gai Pan.”
The twins are often indistinguishable, but Patty is the one with a crush on Principal Skinner, and Selma is the one who smokes and has a raspy voice. Marge also has an unnamed aunt (Jacqueline’s sister) who appears in “The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular” as a photo.
Marge’s maternal grandfather is Jacqueline’s father, who is never named but appears in a flashback in “The Way We Weren’t.” Her paternal grandmother is Clancy’s mother, who is named Bouvier but never given a first name.
Extended Relatives and One-Off Gags
The show has introduced a host of other relatives, some more canonical than others:
- Homer’s half-sister – In “The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase,” a segment shows Homer discovering he has a half-sister named Abbie (again, the name is reused). This is generally considered a parody.
- Bart’s future children – In “Bart to the Future,” Bart is shown as a failed musician with two kids, but this is a possible future, not a fixed canon.
- Lisa’s future husband – In “Lisa’s Wedding,” she is engaged to Hugh Parkfield, but that future is also not set in stone.
- Maggie’s future – In “Bart to the Future,” Maggie is shown as an adult but no details are given.
- The Flanders family – Not blood relatives, but often considered extended family through friendship.
Many relatives appear in “The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular” as part of a family tree graphic, but that episode is a clip show and not fully reliable. The show’s writers have admitted they often ignore continuity for the sake of a joke.
How the Tree Has Changed Over Time
The family tree has evolved as the show has added new characters and backstories. For example, Homer’s mother Mona was originally said to have died, but later episodes revealed she was alive and on the run. Similarly, Herb Powell was introduced as Homer’s half-brother in 1991, but his later appearances are inconsistent with his earlier wealth. The show has also retconned the Simpson ancestry with the Scottish heritage in the movie, adding a new layer to the tree.
Another notable change is the addition of Ling Bouvier, Selma’s adopted daughter, who first appeared in 2006. She is now a regular character, expanding the next generation. Also, in “The Simpsons Movie,” the family adopts a pig named Plopper, but that is not a relative.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Homer’s middle name is “Jay,” but it is actually “Jay” in the sense that it is a middle initial, not a full name. His full name is Homer Jay Simpson, with “Jay” being a middle name, not an initial. Another misconception is that Bart is named after Bart the Bear, but the show has never confirmed that.
People also often think that Marge’s maiden name is “Bouvier,” which is correct, but her full maiden name is Marjorie Jacqueline Bouvier. Some fans believe that Homer and Marge are second cousins, but that has never been stated in the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Homer’s parents?
Homer’s parents are Abraham (Abe) Simpson and Mona Simpson. Abe is a veteran and a frequent character, while Mona was a fugitive who appeared in a few episodes.
Does Homer have any siblings?
Yes, Homer has two half-brothers: Abbie (British) and Herb Powell (wealthy). He also has a half-sister named Abbie in a non-canon segment, and a half-sister named Mona Jr. in another non-canon segment.
Who are Marge’s sisters?
Marge has twin sisters, Patty and Selma Bouvier. They both work at the DMV and are often portrayed as chain-smoking, cynical characters.
Is the family tree canon?
The core family is canon, but many extended relatives are introduced for one-off jokes and are not considered part of the official continuity. The show often ignores its own history for humor.
What is the Simpson family’s ethnicity?
The Simpsons are of Scottish descent, as revealed in the 2007 movie. Homer’s ancestors came from Scotland, and the family has a strong connection to that heritage.
How many children do Homer and Marge have?
They have three children: Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. There have been no other children in the main timeline, though future episodes have shown alternate possibilities.
Why the Tree Matters
The Simpson family tree is more than just a list of names; it is a reflection of the show’s storytelling style, which blends heartfelt moments with absurdist humor. The family’s relationships are the emotional core of the series, and understanding the tree helps viewers appreciate callbacks and character motivations. For example, Homer’s strained relationship with his father Abe is a recurring theme, and Marge’s bond with her sisters is often explored. The tree also allows the writers to introduce new characters and plotlines while maintaining a sense of continuity, even if they sometimes bend the rules.
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