Benjamin

What do you think of Benjamin?

Meaning of Name:

Benjamin is a name that means "Right-hand son." The origin of this name is English

More about the babyname Benjamin

From the Hebrew name בִנְיָמִין (Binyamin) which means "son of the south" or "son of the right hand". The right hand was traditionally a reference to strength and virtue.

Benjamin has 29 common 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.

In the Middle Ages, it was traditionally given to sons whose mothers had died in childbirth, and also to second sons. Brought into popular use by the Puritans, it was quite popular until the end of the 19th century. It went out of fashion for many years, but began to become a favorite again in the early part of the 1970’s.

Historical and famous Benjamin’s

The list of famous Benjamin’s is long; there are athletes and musicians, politicians and criminals, writers, artists, scientists and many others. I have only selected for this list a few that my stepson Benjamin would have been proud to bear the name of.

Benyamin was the 12th, youngest and most beloved son of Jacob and Rachel, and was originally named Benoni which means “son of my pain”. Jacob altered the pronunciation to avoid that association.

Saint Benjamin was a deacon martyred in the year 424 AD in Persia. He was executed during a period of persecution that lasted forty years and through the reign of two kings. Benjamin had been imprisoned, and later released under false pretenses with the condition that he stop preaching or speaking of the Christian faith. He refused, and was tortured until his death.

Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel was an American gangster, who was a major player behind the development of Las Vegas.

Benjamin W. Edwards was an American colonist in early Texas, and the leader of the Fredonian Rebellion. Edwards and a few others wanted to break themselves off from Texas and create an independent state that was free and fair to the Indians and the white settlers. Their hope was to establish a nation that would be equal for all people. A flag of red and white, representing the two races was created. Inscribed on the banner was the motto, “Independence, Freedom, and Justice”. Unfortunately, their dream was never realized.

Diplomat and inventor Benjamin Franklin

Inventor and slave Benjamin Bradley

US President Benjamin Harrison

Boys with the name Benjamin might just grow up to be ambitious, dedicated to justice and equality, and natural leaders. A Benjamin is also not likely to be patient or tolerant of anyone who does strive for excellence. He will probably be very independent and creative, ingenuity and versatility will be a significant part of his personality. Honesty, compassion, kindness, and empathy are traits that are born from the heart of Benjamin.

• AbiJoy wrote on May 13, 2008
  Great name. Sadly it sounds a little lame with my last name.