Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "son of the right hand" or "favored son". It has been popular throughout history and appears in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
In the Book of Genesis, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was named after Rachel's declaration upon his birth that "the Lord hath regarded my affliction; for now my husband will love me also" (Genesis 35:18).
The name Benjamin also appears in the New Testament as one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, known for being the youngest and most beloved by Christ. His nickname, Benoni, means "son of sorrow," while his other name, Benjamin, means "son of the right hand."
Throughout history, many notable figures have borne the name Benjamin. Some examples include:
* Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a renowned scientist, inventor, and statesman.
* Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), British Prime Minister and prominent political figure during the Victorian era.
* Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), an English composer known for his opera Peter Grimes and other works.
Today, Benjamin remains a popular name around the world, beloved by parents who appreciate its biblical roots, historical significance, and timeless appeal. It is often associated with strength, wisdom, and favor, reflecting its meaning as the "favored son.
The name Benjamin experienced a significant peak in popularity between the years 1981 and 1988, with a notable spike in births during these years. This period saw a substantial increase compared to earlier decades, particularly the low point of 5 births in 1914. After this peak, the number of births named Benjamin gradually decreased until around the late 1990s, fluctuating between 5 to 11 births per year from 1989 to 1996. The name's popularity saw a slight resurgence from 2015 onwards, with consistently 5 or 6 births each year since then. Overall, the total number of births named Benjamin over this period is 303.