Origin and Meaning of Benjamin
Meaning & Origin
Son of the right hand or fortunate
Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name Binyamin, which is composed of 'ben' meaning 'son' and 'yamin' meaning 'right hand' or 'south'.
Interesting Facts
- Benjamin is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, being the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel.
- The name has been consistently popular among Jewish communities, as well as in Christian contexts due to biblical significance.
- Notable bearers of the name include Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and Benjamin Disraeli, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- In the United States, Benjamin has seen fluctuating popularity, ranking as one of the top 20 names for boys for several decades, especially popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- Related names include Ben, Benny, and the feminine form Benjamina.