The Meaning of the Name Benson
The name Benson is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name “Benedict”, which means “blessed”. It is a popular surname in England and Scotland, and has been used as a given name since the 19th century.
History of the Name
The name Benson first appeared in records in the 12th century when it was used as a surname. The earliest recorded use of the name was by William de Benesun, who was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1176. The name was also found in Scotland during this time period, with John de Benesun being recorded in 1296.
The popularity of the name increased during the 19th century when it began to be used as a given name. This was likely due to its association with Benedictine monks, who were highly respected during this time period. The name has remained popular ever since, and is now commonly found throughout England and Scotland.
Popularity of the Name
Benson is currently ranked as the 545th most popular baby boy’s name in England and Wales, according to data from 2019. It is also ranked as the 602nd most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland. The popularity of the name has remained relatively consistent over the past decade.
In addition to being used as a given name, Benson is also a popular surname throughout England and Scotland. According to data from 2018, it is currently ranked as the 437th most common surname in England and Wales, and the 890th most common surname in Scotland.
Famous People Named Benson
There are several famous people who have been given the name Benson over the years. These include:
- George Benson, an American jazz guitarist and singer-songwriter.
- Benson Lee, an American film director.
- Benson Hedges, an English cricketer.
- Benson Fong, an American actor.
