Declining since 1989, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Benjamen since 1884
Babies named Benjamen per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Benjamen's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 24 |
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 87 |
| 1920s | 131 |
| 1930s | 92 |
| 1940s | 105 |
| 1950s | 161 |
| 1960s | 154 |
| 1970s | 567 |
| 1980s | 776 |
| 1990s | 715 |
| 2000s | 565 |
| 2010s | 246 |
| 2020s | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Benjamen is a variant spelling of the classic name Benjamin, one of the most enduring biblical names in Western naming history. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1884, which also happens to be its peak year of usage, reflecting a time when parents were more willing to experiment with alternative spellings. Since 1989, its trajectory has been falling, and as of 2025 it ranks 9,714th, with roughly 1 in every 244,011 newborns receiving the name. Despite its low current usage, Benjamen remains a meaningful and recognizable choice, carrying the same rich heritage as its more common counterpart.
Benjamen is a variant spelling of Benjamin, derived from the Hebrew name Binyamin, meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' In the Old Testament, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the name has been used widely in Christian and Jewish communities for centuries. The spelling Benjamen, though less common, has appeared in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ben, Benny, Jamie
Sibling names for Benjamen
Names that share Benjamen's style, for a brother or sister.
