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Benjamin

The name Benjamin is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' The name has biblical roots, being the name of the youngest son of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. Over time, Benjamin has become a classic name in many cultures, retaining its popularity due to its strong, historical significance.

IPA: /ˈbɛn.dʒə.mɪn/ · Simplified: BEN-juh-min

Male
Hebrew
Jewish
Middle East
classic
strong
reliable
historic

79/100

Popularity

Falling

10-Year Trend

7

Countries

2018

Peak Year

Meaning of Benjamin

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

The name Benjamin is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' The name has biblical roots, being the name of the youngest son of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. Over time, Benjamin has become a classic name in many cultures, retaining its popularity due to its strong, historical significance.

Does Benjamin flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

How to pronounce Benjamin

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /ˈbɛn.dʒə.mɪn/ · Simplified: BEN-juh-min

Nicknames for Benjamin

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Ben
Benny
Benji
Jam

Benjamin name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

20152016201720182019202020212022202320240255075100

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

82

United States

79

United Kingdom

77

Germany

76

Australia

76

Canada

74

Sweden

72

France

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Benjamín

Benyamin

Beniamino

Беньямин

Names like Benjamin

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Collections featuring Benjamin

Curated name lists where this name appears

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

People named Benjamin are often seen as dependable and trustworthy, embodying a sense of stability and strong moral grounding. They are typically viewed as thoughtful individuals who value family and tradition. Their historical namesake imbues them with a sense of leadership and wisdom.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

Not traditionally celebrated

Famous people named Benjamin

Well-known figures who share this name.

B

Benjamin Franklin

American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States (1706–1790)

B

Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister of Israel (born 1949)

Frequently asked questions about Benjamin

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does Benjamin mean?
Here is the meaning behind Benjamin: The name Benjamin is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' The name has biblical roots, being the name of the youngest son of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. Over time, Benjamin has become a classic name in many cultures, retaining its popularity due to its strong, historical significance.
Is Benjamin a boy or girl name?
Benjamin is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is Benjamin?
Benjamin scores 79/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2018.
What are good nicknames for Benjamin?
Popular nicknames for Benjamin: Ben, Benny, Benji, Jam.
What names are similar to Benjamin?
Names similar to Benjamin: Nathaniel, Samuel, Gabriel, Alexander — close in sound, origin, or style.

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