Benjamin

“Hebrew”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#11US 2023

10.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

776kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 100 years in top 1000.77% of births at peak

How to pronounce Benjamin

BENJ·um·AN

/ˈbɛndʒ.əm.ˈæn/ · stress on BENJ · 3 syllables

“Hebrew”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

What does Benjamin mean and where does it come from?

The name Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין) is traditionally a masculine given name in Hebrew originating from the Biblical figure, Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. In recent times, Benjamin has been adopted as a gender-neutral or even female name in some cultures. Its usage as a female name is p

Cultural significance

Benjamin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.

Peak popularity

Reached #6 in 2016 — currently #11 in the US.

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How else can you spell Benjamin?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Benjamin?

Benjamin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Benjamin Grace

How popular is Benjamin right now?

Holding steady — currently #11 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#11 · Top 0.01%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11	10,212	▼ down 2 · -6% births
2022	#9	10,904	▼ down 2 · -8% births
2021	#7	11,889	stable · -2% births
2020	#7	12,136	▲ up 3 · -11% births
2015	#10	13,700	▲ up 12 · +10% births
2010	#22	12,431	▲ up 3 · -8% births
2005	#25	13,573	▲ up 1 · -9% births
2000	#26	14,840	▲ up 5 · +17% births
1995	#31	12,715	▲ up 2 · -13% births
1990	#33	14,621	▼ down 2 · +9% births
1985	#31	13,431	▲ up 1 · -1% births
1980	#32	13,634	▲ up 4 · +43% births
1975	#36	9,550	▲ up 45 · +143% births
1970	#81	3,930	▲ up 52 · +68% births
1965	#133	2,338	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Benjamin

Best Year2020Rank #7

Peak Count14,840

Average Rank#66

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Benjamin

Benjamin has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #6 in 2016, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 776K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #32 in 1880 to #11 in 2023. Benjamin is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Benjamin in 2016:

Noah Liam William Mason James

Benjamin by decade

Benjamin peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5,407
1890s	4,460
1900s	4,009
1910s	17,342
1920s	21,122
1930s	14,681
1940s	17,245
1950s	23,928
1960s	25,766
1970s	81,834
1980s ★	142,178
1990s	134,166
2000s	137,451
2010s	134,282
2020s	12,146

What are good nicknames for Benjamin?

DUTCH

Ben

ENGLISH

BenBenjBenjiBenjyBennieBenny

GERMAN

Ben

HAWAIIAN

Peni

Famous people named Benjamin

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father of the United States, inventor of the lightning rod, and statesman extraordinaire

Benjamin Netanyahu

Longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel's history

Ben Affleck

Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker known for Good Will Hunting and Argo

Benjamin (Biblical)

Youngest of the twelve sons of Jacob in Genesis, whose tribe became one of Israel's most important

Benjamin Button (fictional)

F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic character who ages backwards, made famous in the David Fincher film

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Benjamin?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Benjamin also consider these

Benhamin

Hebrew · בִּנְיָמִין - 'Son

Benjahmin

Hebrew · בִּנְייָמִין

Benamin

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bemjamin

Hebrew · Son of the

Bejamin

English · A meaningful name

Banjamin

Hebrew · son of the

Enjamin

American · A variant of

Bernadin

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Benjamin written in other languages?

בִּנְיָמִין

Ancient Hebrew

What are the girl versions of Benjamin?

Benjamine FRENCH

Common questions about the name Benjamin

What does the name Benjamin mean?

Benjamin means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Benjamin?

Benjamin is currently ranked #11 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Benjamin?

Benjamin originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Benjamin?

Benjamin is a three-syllable name pronounced B EH1 N JH AH0 M AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Benjamin?

Benjamin pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.