All about the name

Bennett

Female

« Bennett is an English name derived from Middle English 'benet', meaning 'blessed'. It was initially used as a nickname for the fortunate, later becoming a popular given name in the late 19th century. Today, it's moderately common, ranking #462 among boys' names in the U.S. (2020). »

#1484 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Bennett is a name of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "benet," which means "blessed." It was originally used as a nickname for someone who was considered blessed or fortunate. Over time, Bennett has evolved into a given name in its own right, rather than simply being used as a nickname. The name Bennett is believed to have first appeared during the Middle Ages in England. However, it was not particularly popular at that time and remained relatively uncommon throughout much of history. It wasn't until the late 19th century that Bennett began to gain traction as a given name, thanks in large part to its use by famous figures such as British author Arthur Conan Doyle's character Dr. John Watson. Today, Bennett is still not one of the most popular names, but it has become more common than it once was. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, for example, Bennett ranked #462 in popularity for boys' names in 2020. This suggests that while it may not be a ubiquitous choice, there is still a significant number of people who choose this name for their children. In terms of its cultural significance, Bennett has been used by various notable figures throughout history beyond Arthur Conan Doyle's character. For instance, American politician Benjamin Bennett served as the fifth governor of Vermont from 1836 to 1837. More recently, Canadian musician Ben Kowalewicz fronts the punk rock band Billy Talent. Despite its origins and historical use, there are no specific traditions or customs associated with the name Bennett outside of those generally attached to Christian names due to its meaning of "blessed." Therefore, people named Bennett do not have any unique celebrations or practices related solely to their given name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Bennett since 1880

Total births
1,816
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
146 births
in 2023
146
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+54%
vs previous 5 years