The boy's name Benjamin \b(e)-nja-min,ben-jamin\ is pronounced BEN-ja-men. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "son of the right hand; son of the south; son of my old age". Biblical: Benyamin was the 12th, youngest and most beloved son of the patriarch Jacob and Rachel, and was originally named Benoni. In the Middle Ages, it was often given to sons whose mothers had died in childbirth, though it has no such connotations today. Brought into use by the Puritans until the end of the 19th century. After several decades of disuse, came back to great popularity by the 1970s. Ben is the short form; Benjie, Bennie, and Benny are pet forms. Diplomat and inventor Benjamin Franklin; American President Benjamin Harrison; jazz musician Benny Goodman; pediatrician and oracle Benjamin Spock; British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli; actor Benjamin Bratt.

Benjamin has 29 variant forms: Ben, Benejamen, Beniamino, Benjaman, Benjamen, Benjamino, Benjamon, Benjee, Benjey, Benji, Benjie, Benjiman, Benjimen, Benjy, Benn, Bennie, Benno, Benny, Benyamin, Benyamino, Bibi, Binyamin, Binyamino, Jamin, Veniamin, Venyamin, Yamin, Yamino and Yemin.

Benjamin is a very common first name for men and also a very common last name for both men and women.

ORIGIN
Hebrew

MEANING
Son of the right hand

In the Old Testament, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, who died during childbirth. During the Middle Ages, the name was given to sons whose mothers had died giving birth. In the U.S., known for 18th century statesman and inventor, Benjamin Franklin, who signed the Declaration of Independence. A chart topper in Chile. Listed among the top 20 names in Australia, British Columbia, England, New Zealand, and Wales.

ALTERNATIVES
Benjiman Benjamon Benjimon Benjimin Benjamen Benjaman

NICKNAMES
Benjy Benny Ben

FAMOUS Benjamins
Benny Goodman (band leader) Benjamin McKenzie (actor) Benjamin Bratt (actor) Benjamin Harrison (U.S. president)

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