Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Benny
BoyEnglish, Hebrew· “short for Benjamin; son of the right hand”
- Meaning
- short for Benjamin; son of the right hand
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- BEH-nee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #841
- US babies 2025
- 293
- Best rank
- #172 (1939)
- Peak year
- 1948
Meaning and origin of Benny
Benny is an English and Hebrew name that means “short for Benjamin; son of the right hand”.
Benny is a pet form of Benjamin, a Hebrew name meaning "son of the right hand," a phrase that suggests favor and strength. In the Book of Genesis, Benjamin is the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. Benny has been used as a given name in its own right, especially in the twentieth century. Bandleader Benny Goodman, known as the King of Swing, and comedian Jack Benny, whose stage name used it as a surname, made it familiar. Pronounced BEH-nee, it has a cheerful, playful sound and a vintage charm. Benny suits parents who like friendly nicknames that work as full names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Bennie.
Popularity over time
Benny first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 125 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #172 in 1939, and the most babies received it in 1948, when 1,065 were named Benny. In 2025, 293 babies were named Benny, and it ranked #841 nationally. That is 148% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #362 in 1920, #215 in 1950, #491 in 1980, #835 in 2000, #1,179 in 2010, and #841 in 2025. Of the 48,500 US boys named Benny since records began, 19% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 8,805 babies. Since 2010, 2,766 more have been named Benny.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Sammy, Marshall, Rodger, Teddy, and Lanny.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Benny ranked highest in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #317 | 15 |
| Nevada | #395 | 7 |
| Arizona | #492 | 14 |
| Missouri | #523 | 11 |
| Washington | #581 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Benny over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Benny is usually pronounced BEH-nee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with B and ends in “-ny”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Bennie.
Middle names for Benny
A few middle names that flow with Benny: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Benny
Similar names
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Lists that include Benny
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Benny mean?
Benny is an English and Hebrew name that means “short for Benjamin; son of the right hand”.
What is the origin of the name Benny?
Benny has English and Hebrew roots. Benny is a pet form of Benjamin, a Hebrew name meaning "son of the right hand," a phrase that suggests favor and strength.
Is Benny a popular name?
Yes. Benny ranked #841 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Benny a boy or girl name?
Benny is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Benny over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Benny?
Benny is usually pronounced BEH-nee. 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