Origin and Meaning of Benhur

Meaning & Origin

Son of the poor

Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew names 'Ben' meaning 'son' and 'Hur' meaning 'the poor' or 'dried up.'

Interesting Facts

  • Benhur is notably recognized from the biblical character, but gained wider fame from the 1880 novel 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' by Lew Wallace, which explores themes of redemption and faith.
  • The name is less common in contemporary culture but has seen periodic interest, particularly associated with adaptations of the novel into film and stage productions.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Ben-Hur, a fictional character portrayed in several film adaptations, notably the 1959 Oscar-winning movie starring Charlton Heston.
  • While not a traditional first name in most cultures, the name Benhur has seen fluctuations in popularity, often peaking during periods of feature films or media referencing the character.
  • Variations of the name can include Ben-Hur, with 'Ben' being a common prefix in many Hebrew names, such as Benjamin.