Meaning, origin, history
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin that means "son of the right hand" or "favorite son." The name comes from the biblical figure Benjamin, who was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel in the Old Testament. In the story, Benjamin was greatly loved by his mother Rachel, who died giving birth to him. After her death, Jacob favored Benjamin above all his other sons.
The name Benjamin has been used throughout history, with notable figures including Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and Benjamin Disraeli, a former British Prime Minister. The name has also been popular in literature, appearing in works such as Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist" and J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye."
Today, Benjamin is still a widely used name around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. It has several variations, including Ben, Benny, Bennie, and Bennet. Despite its long history and popularity, Benjamin remains a timeless and beloved name that continues to be chosen by parents for their children.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Benjain since 1880
Total births
10
Total since 1880
Peak year
1981
5 births
in 1985
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years