All about the name

Ben

Male

« Benjamin is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'favored son', and was the youngest son of Jacob in the Old Testament. »

#796 last year

Meaning, origin, history

The name Benjamin is of Hebrew origin and it means "son of the right hand" or "favored son." In the Old Testament of the Bible, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and one of the twelve tribes of Israel was named after him. The name Benjamin has been popular throughout history. It was borne by several early saints and scholars, including St. Benedict of Nursia, who founded the Benedictine order in the 6th century. The name also gained prominence during the Middle Ages when it was often used as a given name in England and France. In recent years, Benjamin has become increasingly popular as a boys' name around the world. It is currently ranked among the top 10 most popular names for boys in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Overall, the name Benjamin has a rich history and a meaningful meaning that makes it appealing to parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their son.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Ben since 1880

Total births
84,729
Total since 1880
Peak year
1918
1,276 births
in 2023
311
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+19%
vs previous 5 years