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Benson Boy

Popularity: #395 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationBEN-sun / ˈbɛn.sən

English; Scandinavian

Meaning

Son of Ben; son of the blessed one

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Benson has its roots in Old English, derived from the personal name "Ben" combined with the suffix "-son," meaning "son of Ben." The name Ben itself is a diminutive form of Benjamin, which originates from the Hebrew name "Binyamin," meaning "son of the right hand." This Hebrew name made its way into Greek as "Beniamin" and later into Latin as "Beniaminus," before evolving into various forms in Old French and Middle English, ultimately leading to the modern English surname Benson. The transition into English occurred around the 12th century, as surnames began to be adopted more widely in England, often reflecting lineage or familial connections.

Historically, the name Benson has been associated with notable figures, including various English landowners and nobles during the medieval period. It appears in records from the 13th century, with individuals bearing the surname involved in local governance and land management. The name is also linked to the biblical figure Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, which adds a layer of historical significance and cultural resonance, particularly within Judeo-Christian contexts. The King James Bible, published in the early 17th century, further popularized the name Benjamin, thereby indirectly enhancing the visibility of its derivative forms, including Benson.

Culturally, the name Benson has been embraced in various literary and artistic works, often symbolizing strength and familial ties. The use of the suffix "-son" in English surnames typically denotes lineage, which has contributed to the name's enduring presence in English-speaking cultures. Additionally, the diminutive form "Ben" has become widely recognized and used independently, reflecting the name's adaptability and continued relevance through the centuries.

Trend Summary

Benson has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Benson

International Variants

Famous people named Benson

Benson Henderson is a mixed martial artist best known for competing in the UFC and WEC, and being a former WEC Lightweight Champion.

Benson Lee is a filmmaker best known for his work on the documentaries Planet B-Boy and the series The Last Dance.

Fictional characters named Benson

Benson is a fictional character from the TV series Benson. He is the wise and capable butler who manages the household of Governor Gatling while navigating various political and personal challenges.

Benson Dubois is a fictional character from the animated series The Owl House. They are a skilled and resourceful witch who plays a significant role in helping the main characters navigate their adventures.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Benson was first seen in the United States in 1887. Benson has ranked as high as #766 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, Utah, New York, Texas, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Benson has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Benson (2024)

StateBirthsShare
UT 44
6%
CA 42
6%
OH 41
6%
TX 35
5%
WA 29
4%
PA 29
4%
WI 28
4%
IN 27
4%
MO 26
4%
MI 26
4%
FL 25
4%
MN 24
3%
IA 22
3%
NY 21
3%
NC 20
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18879
18885
18899
18926
18956
18975
18985
19036
19047
19055
19089
19097
19105
19117
191221
191315
191424
191539
191668
191747
191831
191928
192043
192139
192243
192336
192443
192545
192635
192735
192835
192942
193030
193139
193227
193317
193429
193529
193629
193737
193830
193923
194023
194134
194244
194338
194437
194534
194636
194744
194852
194946
195039
195142
195250
195346
195451
195539
195648
195760
195846
195939
196025
196145
196243
196347
196443
196530
196639
196750
196846
196964
197049
197142
197246
197351
197442
197540
197636
197765
197859
197979
198062
198153
198253
198347
198452
198559
198661
198738
198858
198957
199077
199158
199263
199372
199472
199560
199665
199750
199860
199966
200076
200175
2002102
2003102
2004130
2005134
2006160
2007174
2008171
2009193
2010260
2011314
2012433
2013446
2014528
2015631
2016729
2017625
2018621
2019566
2020514
2021479
2022428
2023454
2024727