Benno

“A diminutive of Bernhard, meaning 'bear'.”

Germanic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#10988US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

278All-time births

📅 Since 191200

How to pronounce Benno

BEN·oh

/ˈbɛn.oʊ/ · stress on BEN · 2 syllables

“A diminutive of Bernhard, meaning 'bear'.”

Germanic origin · Boy name

What does Benno mean and where does it come from?

Benno is a name of German origin, often seen as a short form of Bernhard, or as an independent name. It has historical roots with notable figures, such as Saint Benno, who was the Bishop of Meissen in the 10th century. The name is used in various German-speaking countries and has historical signific

Cultural significance

Benno has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a diminutive of bernhard, meaning 'bear'..

Peak popularity

Reached #2360 in 1916 — currently #10988 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Benno?

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

Benno Grace

How popular is Benno right now?

Falling — down 1140 spots — currently #10988 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#10988 · Top 8.1%

1915

1925

1930

1945

1960

2010

2015

2020

2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10988	6	▼ down 1140 · -14% births
2021	#9848	7	▲ up 751 · +17% births
2020	#10599	6	▼ down 3910 · -50% births
2015	#6689	12	▲ up 4164 · +100% births
2010	#10853	6	▼ down 7062
1960	#3791	6	▼ down 638
1945	#3153	6	▲ up 12 · -25% births
1930	#3165	8	▲ up 376 · +14% births
1925	#3541	7	▼ down 589 · -12% births
1915	#2952	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Benno

Best Year1915Rank #2952

Peak Count12

Average Rank#6558

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202310 years

The story of Benno

Benno entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 278 total births recorded, Benno remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2952 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10988 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Benno in 1916:

John William James Robert Joseph

Benno by decade

Benno peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	53
1920s ★	65
1930s	28
1940s	18
1950s	8
1960s	27
2000s	17
2010s	56
2020s	6

💎Benno has only 278 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Benno?

CROATIAN

Dino

ITALIAN

Dino

CROATIAN

Bernarda

ENGLISH

BernadetteBernadineBernieBerny

Famous people named Benno

Benno (medieval German ruler)

Benno bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Benno (Germanic saint)

Benno spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Benno (Norse explorer)

Benno carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Benno (German philosopher)

Benno used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Benno?

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

Enno

Germanic · ruler of the

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Berno

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Henno

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Denno

French · A French name

Fenno

Latin · A Latin name

How is Benno written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Benno?

Bernarda CROATIAN Bernadette ENGLISH Bernadine ENGLISH Bernie ENGLISH Berny ENGLISH Bernadette FRENCH Bernardine FRENCH Bernadett HUNGARIAN Bernardetta ITALIAN Bernardina ITALIAN Dina ITALIAN Bernarda SLOVENE Bernarda SPANISH Bernardita SPANISH

Common questions about the name Benno

What does the name Benno mean?

Benno means "A diminutive of Bernhard, meaning 'bear'." — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Benno?

Benno is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Benno?

Benno originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Benno?

Benno is a two-syllable name pronounced B EH1 N OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Benno a common or rare name?

Benno is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.