Declining since 1991.
Popularity of Benigno since 1913
Babies named Benigno per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Benigno's real moment was 1928.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 32 |
| 1920s | 124 |
| 1930s | 115 |
| 1940s | 97 |
| 1950s | 147 |
| 1960s | 173 |
| 1970s | 199 |
| 1980s | 215 |
| 1990s | 228 |
| 2000s | 157 |
| 2010s | 94 |
| 2020s | 27 |
Meaning & origin
Benigno is a name with Latin roots meaning 'kind' or 'gentle,' historically tied to early Christian saints. While it never reached the U.S. popularity charts (rank null), it saw its peak year in 1928. Since 1991, its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a broader decline in traditional Italian and Spanish names. With a 1-in-null chance of encountering a newborn Benigno today, it remains a rare but meaningful choice that carries a gentle connotation.
Benigno derives from the Latin name Benignus, itself from the adjective 'benignus' meaning 'kind, gentle, friendly.' It was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Benignus of Dijon, a 3rd-century martyr, and Saint Benignus of Armagh, an Irish bishop. The name has been used in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, though it has remained relatively uncommon, especially in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ben, Beni
Variants: Benignus, Benigne, Benigno
Sibling names for Benigno
Names that share Benigno's style, for a brother or sister.
