What Does the Name Benj Mean?
The name Benj is a diminutive of Benjamin, which is a Hebrew name meaning “son of the right hand” or “son of my old age.” It is also sometimes used as a nickname for Benjamin, and can be spelled in various ways such as Benji, Bennie, or Benny.
Origin and History
Benjamin was one of the twelve sons of Jacob in the Bible. He was born to Jacob’s wife Rachel after she had been barren for many years. The name Benjamin means “son of my right hand” or “son of my old age.” In Jewish tradition, Benjamin is seen as the youngest son and the most beloved by his father. He is also seen as a symbol of strength and perseverance.
The name Benjamin has been popular throughout history, with its use dating back to biblical times. It has been used in many cultures around the world, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Slavic countries. It has also been used as a given name in some Native American tribes.
Popularity
Benjamin has been a popular name in the United States since 1880 when it first appeared on the Social Security Administration’s list of top baby names. Since then it has consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular names for boys in America. In 2019 it was the 11th most popular name for boys in the US.
The diminutive form Benj has become increasingly popular over recent years. While it is not currently listed on the Social Security Administration’s list of top baby names, it is still widely used as a nickname for Benjamin or as an independent given name.
Famous People Named Benj
There are several famous people who have gone by the name Benj or its variations:
- Benji Madden, an American musician and member of Good Charlotte
- Benny Goodman, an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader
- Bennie Moten, an American jazz pianist and bandleader
- Benjamin Bratt, an American actor best known for his roles in Law & Order and Miss Congeniality