Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "son of the right hand" or "favored son". It has been popular throughout history and appears in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
In the Book of Genesis, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was named after Rachel's declaration upon his birth that "the Lord hath regarded my affliction; for now my husband will love me also" (Genesis 35:18).
The name Benjamin also appears in the New Testament as one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, known for being the youngest and most beloved by Christ. His nickname, Benoni, means "son of sorrow," while his other name, Benjamin, means "son of the right hand."
Throughout history, many notable figures have borne the name Benjamin. Some examples include:
* Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a renowned scientist, inventor, and statesman.
* Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), British Prime Minister and prominent political figure during the Victorian era.
* Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), an English composer known for his opera Peter Grimes and other works.
Today, Benjamin remains a popular name around the world, beloved by parents who appreciate its biblical roots, historical significance, and timeless appeal. It is often associated with strength, wisdom, and favor, reflecting its meaning as the "favored son.
The name Benjamin has had a variable popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early 20th century, it was quite uncommon, with only 5 babies being named Benjamin in 1914. However, starting from the late 1970s, its usage began to increase significantly.
The decade of the 80s saw a steady rise in the number of babies named Benjamin, reaching a peak of 28 births in 1987. This popularity continued into the early 90s, with 19 births recorded in 1989 and 13 in 1990.
However, after the early 90s, the popularity of the name Benjamin started to decline gradually. The late 90s saw a significant drop-off, with only 5 births each in 1996 and 1999.
After several years of low usage, there was a slight resurgence in recent years, with 5 births recorded in 2007 and again in 2015. This trend continued with 6 births each in 2016 and 2017.
Overall, over the past century, Benjamin has seen fluctuations in its popularity, but it remains a timeless name that has been chosen for at least 303 babies born in the United States during this period.