Benjamin
Son of the right hand — a boy name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Benjamin in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Benjamin
Benjamin derives from the Hebrew name Binyamin, composed of "ben" (son) and "yamin" (right hand), interpreted as "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." In the Bible, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Rachel died giving birth to him, initially naming him Ben-Oni ("son of my sorrow"), but Jacob renamed him Benjamin. The name has been widely used across Western cultures for centuries, bolstered by famous bearers like Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Disraeli. It consistently ranks among the top 10 boy names in the United States and much of Europe.
Benjamin Around the World
Benjamin is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 13+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Benjamin
Famous People Named Benjamin
- Benjamin Franklin — Founding Father and polymath
- Benjamin Disraeli — British Prime Minister
- Ben Stiller — American actor and comedian
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Sibling Name Ideas for Benjamin
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Benjamin mean?
Benjamin is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Son of the right hand." Benjamin derives from the Hebrew name Binyamin, composed of "ben" (son) and "yamin" (right hand), interpreted as "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." In the Bible, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
How do you pronounce Benjamin?
Benjamin is pronounced BEN-juh-min. Common variations include Beniamin, Benjamín, Beniamino.
Is Benjamin a boy name?
Yes, Benjamin is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ben, Benny, Benji, Jamie.
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