Holding steady, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Benjy since 1936
Babies named Benjy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 66 |
| 1960s | 87 |
| 1970s | 153 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 17 |
| 2010s | 15 |
| 2020s | 18 |
Meaning & origin
Benjy is a diminutive of Benjamin, first recorded as a given name in the United States in 1936. It reached its peak popularity in 1974, though it has always been uncommon. In 2025, the name was given to about 1 in 213,510 babies, ranking 8910th. Benjy's trajectory has been relatively stable, with modest usage concentrated in the 1970s. Benjy has no strong association with any particular state, appearing broadly but rarely across the country. Its charm lies in its affectionate, approachable sound, making it a friendly choice for parents seeking a less formal alternative to Benjamin.
Benjy is a diminutive of Benjamin, a name of Hebrew origin from Binyamin, meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south'. As a given name in its own right, Benjy emerged in English-speaking countries in the 19th century as a familiar form of Benjamin. It saw notable usage in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom.
“Benjy” around the world
Where Benjy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ben, Benj
Sibling names for Benjy
Names that share Benjy's style, for a brother or sister.
