Meaning
The meaning of Benjamin
Benjamin is usually understood as son of the right hand, a phrase connected with favor, strength, or honor. In Genesis, the name replaces Ben-oni, the sorrowful name Rachel gives before her death.
Name story
Sorrow and favor in one birth story
Benjamin's birth is wrapped in both grief and blessing. Rachel dies after giving birth, and Jacob gives the child a name that moves from sorrow toward honor.
That makes Benjamin a warm name with deeper emotional roots than its familiar sound may suggest.
Biblical arc
The youngest son and a tribe
Benjamin becomes one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name also appears later through figures connected with the tribe, including Saul and Paul.
For Christian families, Benjamin offers a classic biblical choice that feels affectionate, substantial, and highly usable.
Sound
How to pronounce Benjamin
- Phonetic
- BEN-juh-min
- IPA
- /ˈbɛndʒəmɪn/
3 syllables · stress: BEN-juh-min · ends in a consonant
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Beniamino
- Binyamin
- Benjamim
- Beniamin
Short forms and nicknames
- Ben
- Benny
- Benji
- Benjy
Languages
Benjamin in other languages
- Hebrew
- בִּנְיָמִיןBinyamin
- Greek
- ΒενιαμίνBeniamin
- Latin
- Beniamin
- Spanish
- Benjamín
- French
- Benjamin
- German
- Benjamin
- Italian
- Beniamino
- Russian
- ВениаминVeniamin
- Arabic
- بِنْيَامِينBinyamin
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Benjamin belongs to the Genesis family story and the tribal history of Israel. It is also indirectly connected with Paul, who identifies himself with the tribe of Benjamin.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Benjamin is the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel and the ancestor of the tribe of Benjamin.
Bearers
Notable people named Benjamin
biblical
BenjaminYoungest of Jacob's twelve sons and ancestor of the tribe of Benjamin in Genesishistorical
Benjamin FranklinAmerican founding father, scientist, and diplomat, 1706 to 1790historical
Benjamin DisraeliBritish prime minister and novelist, 1804 to 1881historical
Benjamin BrittenEnglish composer of Peter Grimes and the War Requiem, 1913 to 1976modern
Benjamin NetanyahuIsraeli politician and prime minister of Israel across multiple terms, born 1949
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Benjamin has been a durable favorite in Christian and Jewish naming. Ben makes it friendly, while Benjamin keeps the full biblical dignity.
Recent US use
Benjamin in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #11
- Peak rank
- #6 in 2016
- Recent trend
- declining over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
Pairings
Names paired with Benjamin
Rachelmother
Benjamin's mother; Rachel died giving birth to him on the road near Bethlehem (Genesis 35:16-19). Her last words named him Ben-Oni; Jacob renamed him Benjamin.
For families
For families looking at Benjamin
Benjamin may suit families who want a familiar biblical boy name that feels kind, intelligent, and substantial. It ages well from childhood into adulthood.
Common questions
What does Benjamin mean?
Benjamin is usually understood as son of the right hand.
Is Benjamin a biblical name?
Yes. Benjamin is Jacob's youngest son in Genesis.
Is Ben a nickname for Benjamin?
Yes. Ben is the most common short form of Benjamin.
Sources
Sources for Benjamin
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology; meaning son of the right hand.
- The Book of Genesis, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure; youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, ancestor of a tribe of Israel.
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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