Benno is of German origin, derived from the Germanic word 'ben', meaning 'bend'. It was popularized during medieval times due to St. benno, a bishop of Meißen in Saxony who was martyred in the 12th century. The name Benno has also been associated with several notable individuals throughout history, including Benno Besson, a French circus director known for creating the famous Cirque du Soleil, and Benno von Wiese, a prominent German theater critic and playwright.
The name Benno tends to evoke a sense of strength and stability. It is composed of two syllables, /ˈbɛnəʊ/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. This gives it a robust and distinctive sound that can be appealing to parents looking for a strong-sounding name for their child.
Benno has been used as a given name in Germany since the Middle Ages but is less common elsewhere. However, its use as a surname is widespread throughout Europe, particularly in German-speaking countries. This could make it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name that is unique yet not entirely unfamiliar.
Overall, Benno is a historic and distinctive name with a strong sound and German roots. Its association with notable individuals adds to its intrigue, making it a potential choice for parents looking for something out of the ordinary.
The name Benno seems to have been quite popular around the early 20th century, with several peaks in its popularity. The highest number of births recorded in a single year was 12 in 1916. After World War II and into the late 20th century, the name's popularity declined significantly, with most years seeing fewer than 7 births. However, there has been a slight resurgence in recent years, with birth numbers fluctuating between 5 and 7 since 2003.