Benny
Benny is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Son of the right hand”, pronounced BEN-ee. It ranked #841 in the United States in 2025, given to 293 babies, and peaked at #172 in 1939. Common nicknames: Ben, B.
How popular is Benny in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Benny mean, and where does it come from?
Benny is the familiar form of Benjamin — Hebrew Binyamin, "son of the right hand" — and occasionally of Benedict, and it has been recorded in American birth data since the 1880s. Its peak came in the 1930s, when it belonged to bandleaders and comedians: Benny Goodman, Jack Benny, a whole era of stage names. It faded into the middle of the century and is now rising again, part of the return of short, unbuttoned boys' names like Ozzy, Archie and Teddy. Parents choosing it today generally mean it as the whole name rather than as a nickname waiting for a longer one.
How is Benny used around the world?
Benny is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
Female FormBenny
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Benny?
Famous People Named Benny
- Benny Goodman — American clarinettist and bandleader, the King of Swing
- Benny Andersson — Swedish musician and composer, co-founder of ABBA
- Benny Golson — American jazz saxophonist and composer
Similar Names to Benny
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Sibling Name Ideas for Benny
Looking for names that pair well with Benny? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Benny mean?
Benny is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Son of the right hand." Benny is the familiar form of Benjamin — Hebrew Binyamin, "son of the right hand" — and occasionally of Benedict, and it has been recorded in American birth data since the 1880s. Its peak came in the 1930s, when it belonged to bandleaders and comedians: Benny Goodman, Jack Benny, a whole era of stage names.
How do you pronounce Benny?
Benny is pronounced BEN-ee. Common variations include Bennie, Benni, Benjy.
Is Benny a boy name?
Yes, Benny is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ben, B.