Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin that means "son of the right hand" or "favorite son." In the Old Testament, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and his mother died giving birth to him. His father named him Benjamin, which translates as "son of the right hand," because he was born on the right side of the womb. The name can also mean "favorite son" because Benjamin was Rachel's favorite child.
Throughout history, the name Benjamin has been popular among various cultures and countries. In the Middle Ages, it was a common name in England, where it was often given to boys who were born on the right side of their families or who had lost a parent at a young age. The name also gained popularity during the Puritan era in America, when many families chose biblical names for their children.
Today, Benjamin is still a popular name around the world. It has been used by celebrities such as actor Benjamin Bratt and musician Ben Harper. In addition to its meaning and history, the name Benjamin is also associated with several famous figures throughout history, including Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and Benjamin Disraeli, a British statesman who served as Prime Minister in the late 19th century.
Overall, the name Benjamin has a rich history and meaningful origin that continues to resonate with people today. Its biblical roots give it a sense of tradition and gravity, while its association with prominent figures throughout history adds to its appeal. Whether given for its meaning or simply for its sound, the name Benjamin is sure to stand out as a strong and memorable choice.
The name Benjamin has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with significant fluctuations in its popularity over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Benjamin ranged from around 300 to nearly 2500 births per year. The name saw a peak in popularity during World War I, with over 2200 births in 1918. However, after the war, its popularity declined again.
Starting in the mid-20th century, Benjamin began to gain traction once more. In 1950, there were around 2200 births named Benjamin, and by 1970, this number had grown to nearly 4000. The name's popularity continued to rise throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with over 13000 babies named Benjamin in 1987.
The name Benjamin reached its peak popularity in the United States in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with over 15000 births each year from 1988 to 1992. Since then, its popularity has declined somewhat but has remained relatively stable, with around 13000 to 14000 babies named Benjamin each year until the early 2010s.
In recent years, however, the name Benjamin has seen a significant decrease in popularity. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of births named Benjamin has fallen from nearly 15000 to just over 10000 per year. This decline is reflected in its ranking among popular baby names in the United States, which has dropped from the top 10 names for boys in recent years.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, Benjamin remains a classic and timeless name with a rich history in the United States. It will likely continue to be a beloved choice among parents for generations to come.