MEANING OF BENJAMIN NAME
The name Benjamin has a rich and fascinating history with multiple possible origins
Benjamin name in Hebrew Roots
- Benjamin is a masculine name derived from the Hebrew name Binyamin, which means “son of the right hand” or “son of the south.”
- In the Old Testament, Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob and the founder of one of the southern tribes of the Hebrews.
- Originally, he was named Ben-'oni, meaning “son of my sorrow”, by his mother Rachel, who died shortly after childbirth. However, his father later changed his name to Benjamin (see Genesis 35:18).
- As an English name, Benjamin came into general use after the Protestant Reformation.
- A famous bearer of the name was Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), an American statesman, inventor, scientist, and philosopher.
Popularity of Benjamin
- Benjamin has been a timeless classic and remains popular across various cultures.
- It is associated with qualities like strength, wholesomeness, and refinement.
- The expression “the Benjamin of the family” refers to the youngest child.
In summary, Benjamin is a name that combines biblical significance, strength, and a touch of historical prominence.
