Meaning, origin, history
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin that means "son of the right hand" or "favored son". It is derived from the Hebrew word ben, which means "son", and the Hebrew word yamin, which means "right hand".
The name Benjamin has a rich history in the Bible. He was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. According to the story, Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin, and Jacob favored him above all his other sons. The tribe of Benjamin became known for its warriors and was one of the smallest but most powerful tribes.
The name Benjamin has been used throughout history by many notable figures. For example, Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a famous scientist and inventor. In more recent times, Benjamin Button is a fictional character in the short story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Today, Benjamin is a popular name for boys around the world. It has consistently ranked in the top 500 baby names in the United States since the 19th century. Variations of the name include Bennet, Bennett, Benett, Benny, and Bennie.
Overall, the name Benjamin has a strong history and meaningful origin that makes it a popular choice for parents looking for a classic and powerful name for their son.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Benett since 1880
Total births
299
Total since 1880
Peak year
2006
18 births
in 2023
12
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+48%
↗
vs previous 5 years