Benjamin is a male given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is "son of the right hand," which signifies strength and power. The name Benjamin is derived from the Hebrew word ben, meaning "son," and the word yamin, meaning "right hand." In the Old Testament, Benjamin was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and Rachel, and his tribe became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The name Benjamin has been used throughout history by various notable figures. For example, Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was named after Benjamin of the Bible. Additionally, King Benjamin I of Macedon, who ruled from 360-343 BC, was also named after this biblical figure.
Today, Benjamin remains a popular choice for parents naming their sons. It has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 names for boys in the United States since the early 20th century. Variations of the name include Bennie, Benji, Benny, and Ben. Some common nicknames associated with the name Benjamin are Ben, Benz, and Benn.
Overall, the name Benjamin has a rich history and meaning that spans centuries and cultures. Its biblical origins and association with strength and power continue to make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their son.
The name Benjaman experienced its peak popularity between the years 1917 to 1926, with a high of 41 births recorded in 1926. However, it's notable that after the year 1963, there is a significant decline in the number of births registered with this name, indicating a decrease in its popularity over time. The most recent data from 2020 shows only 5 births for the name Benjaman, suggesting it has become quite uncommon today.