Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Benjamin
BoyHebrew· “son of the right hand”
- Meaning
- son of the right hand
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- BEHN-juh-muhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #11
- US babies 2025
- 9,762
- Best rank
- #6 (2016)
- Peak year
- 1989
Meaning and origin of Benjamin
Benjamin is a Hebrew name that means “son of the right hand”.
Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel in the Book of Genesis and the ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel. His name is usually translated from Hebrew as "son of the right hand", an expression that can also suggest "son of the south" and implies favor or good fortune. After the Protestant Reformation it became common in England, and it traveled to America with the Puritans. Benjamin Franklin, printer, scientist and statesman, is its best-known American bearer, and Benjamin Disraeli served as British prime minister. The name is warm and dependable, with a range of friendly nicknames: Ben, Benny and Benji.
Popularity over time
Benjamin has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #6 in 2016, and the most babies received it in 1989, when 15,733 were named Benjamin. In 2025, 9,762 babies were named Benjamin, and it ranked #11 nationally. That is 29% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #83 in 1920, #123 in 1950, #32 in 1980, #26 in 2000, #22 in 2010, and #11 in 2025. Of the 826,830 US boys named Benjamin since records began, 17% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 137,309 babies. Since 2010, 199,431 more have been named Benjamin.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jordan, Aaron, Sean, Travis, and Kyle.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Benjamin ranked highest in Washington, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #6 | 259 |
| Rhode Island | #6 | 45 |
| Pennsylvania | #7 | 405 |
| Massachusetts | #7 | 312 |
| Oregon | #7 | 123 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Benjamin is usually pronounced BEHN-juh-muhn, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with B and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Benjamin
A few middle names that flow with Benjamin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Benjamin
Similar names
Joshua Boy
JAH-shoo-uh
“Yahweh is salvation” · Hebrew
#66
Gabriel Boy
GAY-bree-uhl
“God is my strength” · Hebrew
#37
Jonathan Boy
JAH-nuh-thuhn
“Yahweh has given” · Hebrew
#89
Isaiah Boy
eye-ZAY-uh
“Yahweh is salvation” · Hebrew
#57
Efrain Boy
eh-frah-EEN
“fruitful” · Spanish
#1,494
Elijah Boy
ih-LY-juh
“my God is Yahweh” · Hebrew
#7
Mateo Boy
mah-TAY-oh
“gift of God” · Spanish
#8
Josiah Boy
joh-SY-uh
“Yahweh supports” · Hebrew
#54
Zachary Boy
ZA-kur-ee
“Yahweh remembers” · Hebrew
#216
Elias Boy
ih-LY-uhs
“my God is Yahweh” · Greek
#13
Nathaniel Boy
nuh-THAN-yuhl
“God has given” · Hebrew
#140
Ezekiel Boy
ih-ZEE-kee-uhl
“God strengthens” · Hebrew
#61
Lists that include Benjamin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Benjamin mean?
Benjamin is a Hebrew name that means “son of the right hand”.
What is the origin of the name Benjamin?
Benjamin has Hebrew roots. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel in the Book of Genesis and the ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel.
Is Benjamin a popular name?
Yes. Benjamin ranked #11 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Benjamin a boy or girl name?
Benjamin is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Benjamin?
Benjamin is usually pronounced BEHN-juh-muhn. 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