The Meaning of the Name Benjamin
The name Benjamin is a Hebrew name that means “son of the right hand” or “son of my old age.” It is derived from the Hebrew words ben (son) and yamin (right hand). The name was popularized by the biblical figure, Benjamin, who was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel in the Old Testament.
Benjamin has been a popular name for centuries, and it has been used in many cultures around the world. In England, it was one of the most popular names during the Middle Ages. In France, it was used as early as the 12th century. In Germany, it became popular during the 19th century.
In modern times, Benjamin is still a popular name in many countries. It is currently ranked as one of the top 100 baby names in both the United States and Canada. It is also popular in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Famous People Named Benjamin
There have been many famous people throughout history who have borne the name Benjamin. Some of these include:
- Benjamin Franklin – American Founding Father and inventor
- Benjamin Disraeli – British Prime Minister
- Benjamin Spock – American pediatrician and author
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Israeli Prime Minister
- Benjamin Britten – English composer
- Benjamin Harrison – 23rd President of the United States
Popularity of the Name Benjamin
The popularity of the name Benjamin has remained steady over time. It has consistently been one of the top 100 baby names in both the United States and Canada since records began being kept in 1880. In recent years, it has become even more popular with parents looking for unique yet traditional names for their children.
In 2020, Benjamin was ranked as the 24th most popular baby boy name in the United States and 28th most popular in Canada. It is also a popular choice among celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis who named their son Benjamin.
