Benjamin

What does the baby name Benjamin mean? Learn about what Benjamin means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Benjamin - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Benjamin
B-E-N-J-A-M-I-N, is a 8-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Benjamin
BEN-jÉ™-min
BEN jah min
Meaning of Benjamin
Born of the right hand, son of my right hand, right hand's son, son of the right hand, son of the south.
Origin of Benjamin
The name 'Benjamin' originates from the Hebrew language and can be traced back to the Old Testament of the Bible. In the Bible, 'Benjamin' was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, making it a name with biblical significance. The name 'Benjamin' is derived from the Hebrew words 'binyamin', meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south'. This name was given to 'Benjamin' as a symbol of honor and favor.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Benjamin
Banjamin
Beathan
Ben
Beniamino
Benjamino
Benji
Benjy
Bennett
Bennie
Benny
Binyamin
Penmina
Popularity of Benjamin
Throughout history, the name 'Benjamin' has maintained a steady level of popularity. In the United States, the name 'Benjamin' has consistently ranked among the top 100 names for boys since the late 19th century. It experienced a notable spike in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, reaching its peak in the early 2000s. This surge in popularity can be attributed to various factors, including the influence of popular culture and the appeal of traditional names.
Benjamin currently has 3090 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Sam is slightly more popular than Benjamin.

Etymology of Benjamin

The etymology of the name 'Benjamin' can be traced back to the Hebrew language. As mentioned earlier, it is derived from the Hebrew words 'binyamin', meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south'. This etymology reflects the importance of the name as a symbol of honor and favor. The name 'Benjamin' also has connections to other languages, such as Arabic and Persian, where it is pronounced as 'Bin-yah-meen.'

Cultural Significance of Benjamin

The name 'Benjamin' holds significant cultural significance in various contexts. In Jewish culture, 'Benjamin' is considered one of the twelve tribes of Israel, representing the tribe descended from Jacob's youngest son. 'Benjamin' is also associated with qualities such as strength, leadership, and wisdom. In addition, the name 'Benjamin' has been used by many notable historical figures, further contributing to its cultural significance.