Holding steady.
Popularity of Benn since 1915
Babies named Benn per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1980, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Benn's real moment was 1916.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 26 |
| 1920s | 8 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 31 |
| 1950s | 46 |
| 1960s | 25 |
| 1970s | 63 |
| 1980s | 77 |
| 1990s | 50 |
| 2000s | 22 |
| 2010s | 29 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Benn is an uncommon given name that appeared in U.S. birth records as early as 1915 but has never achieved widespread popularity. Its peak year was 1916, which saw the highest number of registrations, yet the name remains well outside the top 1000. In fact, based on Social Security data through 2025, Benn's one-in-N statistic is not calculable due to its rarity, indicating fewer than 5 births per million. The trajectory of the name has been stable at a very low level, with no significant revival in recent decades. No top states were recorded for Benn, consistent with its extremely sparse and scattered usage. As a short, simple name, Benn may appeal to parents seeking a minimalist alternative to Ben or Benjamin, but it remains a true rarity.
Benn is a rare given name and surname, likely a variant or short form of Ben, itself a diminutive of Benedict (from Latin 'benedictus' meaning 'blessed') or Benjamin (from Hebrew 'Binyamin' meaning 'son of the right hand'). As an independent given name, Benn has been used sporadically since the early 20th century, though it has never been common. Its peak usage occurred in 1916, when it ranked modestly among newborn boys in the United States. The name remains a concise, informal alternative to more traditional forms.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Benn
Names that share Benn's style, for a brother or sister.
