A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Bennie since 1880
Babies named Bennie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1929, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bennie's real moment was 1904.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 145 | 448 |
| 1890s | 230 | 902 |
| 1900s | 390 | 1,438 |
| 1910s | 1,167 | 5,647 |
| 1920s | 2,097 | 8,595 |
| 1930s | 2,176 | 8,705 |
| 1940s | 1,873 | 8,480 |
| 1950s | 1,018 | 7,182 |
| 1960s | 354 | 4,582 |
| 1970s | 146 | 2,634 |
| 1980s | 67 | 1,689 |
| 1990s | 6 | 1,022 |
| 2000s | 5 | 626 |
| 2010s | 72 | 480 |
| 2020s | 190 | 323 |
Meaning & origin
Bennie represents a classic nickname-turned-given name that has been recorded in the United States since 1880. The name reached its peak popularity in 1904, when it was most commonly chosen for newborn boys, and it has seen a gradual resurgence since 2018, reflecting a broader revival of vintage nickname names. Data shows that Bennie was particularly favored in states like Missouri, California, and Texas during its peak decades. Today, with a rank of 2,516 as of 2025 and an incidence of about 1 in 32,228 boys, Bennie offers a familiar yet distinctive choice that carries the warmth of historical usage without feeling dated. Its trajectory suggests a steady climb in popularity among modern parents seeking names with a friendly, approachable feel.
Bennie is a diminutive of Benjamin, which comes from the Hebrew name Binyamin, meaning 'son of my right hand' or 'son of the south.' In the Old Testament, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The nickname Bennie emerged in English-speaking countries in the 19th century, often as a familiar form of Benjamin, and gained popularity as an independent given name, particularly in the United States.
Where Bennie is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ben
Sibling names for Bennie
Names that share Bennie's style, for a brother or sister.
