Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Benjamine since 1880
Babies named Benjamine per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Benjamine's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 118 |
| 1890s | 65 |
| 1900s | 29 |
| 1910s | 179 |
| 1920s | 181 |
| 1930s | 103 |
| 1940s | 98 |
| 1950s | 107 |
| 1960s | 139 |
| 1970s | 202 |
| 1980s | 249 |
| 1990s | 154 |
| 2000s | 124 |
| 2010s | 59 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Benjamine is a rare spelling of the classic biblical name Benjamin. First recorded in the U.S. in 1880, its peak usage came in 1881, though even then it never entered the top 1000. The name has been on a long decline since 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from the 'e' ending variant. Despite its low rank, Benjamine retains a traditional, distinguished feel, appealing to parents seeking a less common alternative to Benjamin.
Benjamine is a variant of Benjamin, from the Hebrew name Binyamin, meaning 'son of the right hand.' In the Old Testament, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the name has been used among English speakers since the Protestant Reformation. Benjamine, with an 'e' ending, is a rare spelling variant that emerged in the 19th century, possibly influenced by feminine forms like Josephine, though it has historically been used for boys.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ben, Benny, Jamie
Sibling names for Benjamine
Names that share Benjamine's style, for a brother or sister.
