Benno

Meaning & origin

Benno is a short, crisp name with Germanic roots that has seen a gentle revival in the 21st century. First recorded in the U.S. in 1912, it peaked in popularity in 1916, likely influenced by immigration from German-speaking regions. After decades of obscurity, the name has been rising since 2007, making it a rare but recognizable choice. In 2025, it ranked 9,714, meaning only about 1 in 244,011 newborn boys received the name. Despite its low frequency, Benno carries historical weight through Saint Benno of Meissen, a 11th-century bishop. Its sound fits well with other short vintage names like Otto and Leo. The name did not appear in the top states list, suggesting it is used sparsely across the country. Benno's revival trajectory since the late 2000s mirrors a broader trend toward old-fashioned names reentering the lexicon.

Benno originated as a short form of Benedikt (German form of Benedict) or Benjamin. The name was borne by Saint Benno of Meissen (11th century), a German bishop. It has been used independently in German-speaking countries and also in Italian-speaking regions, where it can be a nickname for Benedetto.