Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin that means "son of the right hand" or "favorite son". It is derived from the Hebrew phrase ben 'yamin, which translates to "son of the south", as the right hand was associated with the southern direction in ancient times.
The name Benjamin has a significant history in the Bible. He was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. According to the biblical story, Benjamin's mother died giving birth to him, so his father named him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand" because he considered him to be his favorite child.
The name Benjamin has been used throughout history by many notable figures, including Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States and a prominent scientist and inventor. Today, Benjamin remains a popular name for boys in many countries around the world.
In terms of its popularity, Benjamin has consistently ranked high among boy names in many parts of the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it was one of the top ten most popular boy names between 2014 and 2019, peaking at number three in 2018.
Overall, Benjamin is a name with deep historical roots and a rich meaning that continues to be widely used today. Its popularity reflects its appealing sound and its association with notable figures throughout history.
"The name Benjamen experienced significant popularity spikes between the years 1927 to 1973, with a total of 889 births recorded during this period. However, it saw a steady decline thereafter, with only 5 births in 2022."