Meaning, origin, history
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the root word "ben" which means "son." The name Benjamin was originally given to one of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament of the Bible. According to the story, Rachel, the wife of Jacob, gave birth to her twelfth son on the verge of death and named him Benjamin, saying "Ben Oni," meaning "son of my right hand."
The name Benjamin has also been popular among different cultures throughout history. It was the name of two early Christian saints, including St. Benedict of Nursia who founded the Benedictine order in the 6th century. In literature, Benjamin is a character in Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities" and in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
In English-speaking countries today, Benjamin remains a popular choice for baby boys. It has consistently ranked among the top 100 names in the United States since the early 20th century. In France, it has been one of the most popular boys' names for decades, often ranking in the top five.
Overall, Benjamin is a name with a rich history and meaningful roots, making it a beloved choice for parents around the world.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Benjamin since 1880
Total births
2,468
Total since 1880
Peak year
1983
96 births
in 2023
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-3%
→
vs previous 5 years