Benten is a Japanese given name that has been traditionally used for both males and females. Its origin can be traced back to the Buddhist belief system in Japan, where Benten is one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune or Shichifukujin. In Japanese culture, these seven gods are said to bring good luck and prosperity.
The name Benten itself comes from the Japanese words "ben" meaning "sacred" or "holy," and "ten" which means "heaven." Therefore, the name Benten signifies "Sacred Heaven" or "Heavenly Being." It is often associated with Benzaiten, a female deity in Buddhism known for her musical abilities and being the patron of arts and creativity.
Throughout history, Benten has been a popular choice for parents when naming their children. In many cases, families hoped that by giving their child this name, they would be blessed with good fortune and happiness, as per the belief associated with Benzaiten.
In addition to its religious significance, the name Benten is also often used in Japanese literature and artworks to represent characters who embody grace, wisdom, and elegance. For instance, in the famous epic poem "Tales of Ise," one of the main characters is named Lady Benten.
Today, while the name Benten may not be as prevalent as it once was during its peak popularity in Japan's feudal era, it still holds cultural significance and continues to be chosen by parents who wish to honor Japanese tradition and history through their child's name.
"Benten saw a steady increase in births from 2010 to 2011, with 5 and 6 births respectively. However, there was no data recorded for the years between these two. The name then resurfaced in 2016 with another peak of 7 births. In total, Benten has been given to 18 babies over this span."