Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Benedict
BoyLatin· “blessed”
- Meaning
- blessed
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- BEH-nuh-dihkt
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #814
- US babies 2025
- 305
- Best rank
- #447 (1914)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Benedict
Benedict is a Latin name that means “blessed”.
Benedict comes from the Latin Benedictus, meaning blessed. Saint Benedict of Nursia founded the Benedictine order and wrote the Rule of Saint Benedict, which shaped monastic life in Western Europe. The name was later taken by several popes. In English, Benedict has a scholarly, dignified air, and the actor Benedict Cumberbatch has brought it renewed attention. It offers friendly nicknames such as Ben, Benny and Dix. Benedict pairs well with both classic and modern middle names.
Popularity over time
Benedict first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 88 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #447 in 1914, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 305 were named Benedict. In 2025, 305 babies were named Benedict, and it ranked #814 nationally. That is 99% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #545 in 1920, #701 in 1950, #1,239 in 1980, #1,784 in 2000, #1,741 in 2010, and #814 in 2025. Of the 10,475 US boys named Benedict since records began, 14% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,344 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jones, Jrue, Azai, Jettson, and Mccoy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Benedict ranked highest in Minnesota, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Benedict is usually pronounced BEH-nuh-dihkt, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with B and ends in “-ct”.
Middle names for Benedict
A few middle names that flow with Benedict: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Benedict
Similar names
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Lists that include Benedict
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Benedict mean?
Benedict is a Latin name that means “blessed”.
What is the origin of the name Benedict?
Benedict has Latin roots. Benedict comes from the Latin Benedictus, meaning blessed.
Is Benedict a popular name?
Yes. Benedict ranked #814 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Benedict a boy or girl name?
Benedict is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Benedict?
Benedict is usually pronounced BEH-nuh-dihkt. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings