The name Benjamin is a classic male name with deep historical roots and strong associations. Originating from the Hebrew language, Benjamin means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south". This name has biblical origins, as Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel in the Old Testament. In modern times, this name is often shortened to Ben or Benny.
Although it has been a consistently popular choice for over a century, Benjamin has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. According to data from the United States, it has consistently ranked within the top 33 most popular names for newborn boys since 1972, even reaching as high as rank 6 between 2016 and 2018. In English-speaking countries, it is pronounced BEN-juh-min (/ˈbɛndʒəmɪn/). With its rich history and enduring popularity, Benjamin remains an excellent choice for parents seeking a strong, traditional name for their son.
Benjamin Franklin was a prominent American polymath, Founding Father, and key figure in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. |
Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten was a prominent English composer, conductor, and pianist known for his influential contributions to 20th-century British music, including iconic works such as Peter Grimes, War Requiem, and The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. |
Benjamin Ricketson Tucker was an American individualist anarchist known for editing and publishing the periodical Liberty and describing his form of anarchism as "consistent Manchesterism." |
Benjamin Elijah Mays was an influential American Baptist minister and civil rights leader known for mentoring prominent activists and laying the intellectual groundwork for the civil rights movement. |
Benjamin McLane Spock was a renowned American pediatrician and author of the best-selling book Baby and Child Care, which revolutionized parenting in the United States. |
Benjamin Seth Watson is a former NFL tight end who played for the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints. |
Benjamin Chew, a prominent Philadelphia lawyer and chief justice, was known for his precision in legal arguments and commitment to the supremacy of law and the constitution. |
Benjamin Franklin Chavis Jr. is an African-American activist, author, journalist, and the current president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, as well as the national co-chair for the political organization No Labels. |
Benjamin Zephaniah - Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah, a British writer and dub poet, drew on his experiences of incarceration, racism, and Jamaican heritage in his influential work. |
Benjamin Robert Haydon was a British painter known for grand historical pictures and portraits, but struggled with financial problems and died by suicide in 1846. |
Benjamin Wade - Benjamin Franklin "Bluff" Wade was a prominent American lawyer and politician, known for his leadership among the Radical Republicans and his potential to become acting president following the impeachment of U.S. President Andrew Johnson. |
Benjamin Franklin Bache was a prominent American journalist and publisher known for founding the Philadelphia Aurora and his fervent support of Jeffersonian philosophy. |
Benjamin of Petrograd, also known as Vasily Pavlovich Kazansky, was a hieromartyr and Metropolitan of Petrograd and Gdov in the Russian Orthodox Church who was martyred by Soviet authorities and later glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1992. |
Benjamin Pavard is a versatile French professional footballer known for his defensive skills and ability to play both as a right-back and centre-back for Inter Milan and the France national team. |
Benjamin Ingrosso - Benjamin Daniele Wahlgren Ingrosso is a Swedish singer, songwriter, and record producer who gained fame through his participation in musicals, winning Let's Dance 2014, and representing Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. |