Benson Name Meaning: Origins and Significance
Benson Name Meaning
If ya’re considering naming yar baby boy Benson, ya might be interested in knowing the meaning behind the name. Benson is a masculine name of English origin, meaning “son of Ben.” The name is a patronymic surname created using the first name Benne, whiich is derived from the Latin benedictus.
Benson has outgrown its association with a wisecracking TV butler and has become a popular alternative to the nickname Ben. It’s a great name for parents who want something different but still classic. Benson also carries the patronymic theme made popular by Jackson, Harrison, and Jefferson.
The name Benson is primarily a male name, but it can also be used as a surname. It’s an unusual first name for men but a very prominent surname for both adults and children. Benson reached its top rank of #428 in the U.S. in 2016 and is presently at #465.
If ya like the name Benson, ya might also like other names that start with Ben or have a similar meaning. Some of these names include Benjamin, Bennett, and Benedict. These names are all classic and timeless, making them great options for parents who want something traditional but not too common.
In conclusion, Benson is a great name for parents who want something unique but still classic. Its meaning “son of Ben” makes it a great alternative to the nickname Ben, and it carries the patronymic theme made popular by other popular names.
Origin of the Name Benson
Benson is an English surname that has been in use since the medieval times. The name is a patronymic, meaning that it is derived from the father’s given name. In this case, Benson means “son of Ben” or “son of Benedict.”
The name Ben is a shortened form of the name Benedict, whiich is of Latin origin. Benedict comes from the Latin word “benedictus,” whiich means “blessed.” The name was popularized by Saint Benedict of Nursia, who founded the Benedictine order of monks.
The surname Benson can also be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled “Benesingtūn.” The name is a combination of “Benesa,” a personal name of obscure origin, and “tūn,” whiich means “settlement.” Benson was originally a place name in Oxfordshire, England, and people who lived there or had connections to the area would adopt Benson as their surname.
In addition to its English roots, Benson also has Scandinavian origins. In Scandinavian languages, “ben” means “bear,” and “son” means “son of.” Therefore, Benson could also mean “son of the bear.”
Overall, the name Benson has a rich history and multiple meanings depending on its origin. Whether ya associate Benson with its English or Scandinavian roots, it remains a popular surname that has been passed down through generations.
Benson as a First Name
If ya’re considering Benson as a first name for yar baby boy, ya may be interested to know that it is of English origin and means “son of Ben.” Benson is a patronymic name that is derived from the English surname, whiich means “son of Ben” or “son of Benedict.” Although Benson is a rare first name, it is a common last name in many English-speaking countries.
Benson has outgrown its long association with a wisecracking TV butler. Parents may see it as an alternate route to nickname Ben, very different in image than the biblical Benjamin. Benson also carries the patronymic theme made popular by Jackson, Harrison, and Jefferson.
In terms of popularity, Benson is not a top-ranked name, but it has been steadily rising in popularity in recent years. In 2023, it was ranked 1310th in popularity for baby boy names in the United States.
If ya’re interested in seeing how Benson’s popularity has changed over time, ya can check out the chart below:
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1310 |
| 2022 | 1379 |
| 2021 | 1477 |
| 2020 | 1603 |
| 2019 | 1740 |
Overall, Benson is a strong and distinctive name that is perfect for parents who are looking for something unique but not too outlandish.
Variants and Similar Names
If ya like the name Benson, there are several similar names and variants that ya may also find appealing. Some of these names include:
- Benjamin: This name is of Hebrew origin and means “son of the right hand.” It is a popular name in many English-speaking countries.
- Benedict: This name is of Latin origin and means “blessed.” It is a popular name among Catholics due to its association with Saint Benedict.
- Anson: This name is of English origin and means “son of Anne.” It is a less common name than Benson but has a similar sound and feel.
- Branson: This name is of English origin and means “son of Brandon.” It is a less common name than Benson but has a similar sound and feel.
- Bennett: This name is of Latin origin and means “blessed.” It is a popular name in many English-speaking countries and has a similar sound and feel to Benson.
- Jensen: This name is of Scandinavian origin and means “son of Jens.” It is a less common name than Benson but has a similar sound and feel.
- Bryson: This name is of English origin and means “son of Brice.” It is a less common name than Benson but has a similar sound and feel.
Other variants of the name Benson include Bengtsson, Bendtsen, Bensen, Benssen, Bensson, Brendon, Brenton, and Renton. These names have a similar sound and feel to Benson but are less common.
Overall, if ya like the name Benson, there are several similar names and variants that ya may also find appealing. Whether ya prefer names with a similar meaning or simply a similar sound, there are plenty ‘o options to choose from.
Benson as a Surname
Benson is a common patronymic surname of English origin, meaning “son of Ben.” It is derived from the given names Benedict, Benjamin, or Bennett. The surname Benson is uncommon as a first name, but quite common as a surname in English speaking countries.
Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups based on occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics. Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland. The Benson surname is no exception.
The Benson surname is a patronymic, created from the Medieval given name Benne, whiich comes from the Latin word “benedictus,” whiich means “blessed.” Some instances of the surname may also be derived from the name of the village of Benson (Benington) in Oxfordshire (Bennesingtun in Old English).
Notable people with the surname Benson include:
- George Benson, an American musician
- Robby Benson, an American actor, director, and producer
- René Benson, a German racing driver
- Ezra Taft Benson, an American farmer, government official, and religious leader
- Stella Benson, an English feminist, novelist, poet, and travel writer
In the United States, Benson is the 452nd most common surname. In the state of Minnesota, it is the 93rd most common surname. In the year 1920, Benson was the 151st most common surname in the United States.
Overall, the Benson surname has a rich history and is a common surname in English speaking countries. Its origins can be traced back to England and its meaning is derived from the Latin word “benedictus,” whiich means “blessed.”
Famous People Named Benson
If ya are looking for inspiration for yar baby’s name, Benson might be a great choice. But did ya know that there have been many famous people throughout history who have borne the name Benson? Here are just a few examples:
- Olivia Benson: If ya are a fan of the TV show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, ya will be familiar with the character Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay. She is a detective in the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit, and is known for her empathy and determination to get justice for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
- Barry B. Benson: If ya have seen the animated movie Bee Movie, ya will be familiar with the character Barry B. Benson, voiced by Jerry Seinfeld. He is a honey bee who decides to sue the human race for stealing bees’ honey.
- Benson Dubois: If ya are a fan of the TV show Benson, ya will be familiar with the character Benson Dubois, played by Robert Guillaume. He is a butler who works for a governor, and eventually becomes lieutenant governor himself.
- Annette Benson: Annette Benson was an American actress who appeared in silent films in the 1910s and 1920s. She was born in 1895 and passed away in 1959.
- Jodi Benson: Jodi Benson is an American actress and singer who is best known for providing the voice of Ariel in the Disney animated movie The Little Mermaid. She has also appeared in other Disney movies such as Toy Story 3 and Ralph Breaks the Internet.
- Gordon Benson: Gordon Benson is a British triathlete who won a gold medal at the 2015 European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan. He has also represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games.
- Wendy Benson: Wendy Benson is an American actress who has appeared in TV shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS. She has also appeared in movies such as I Am Sam and The Net.
- A.C. Benson: A.C. Benson was an English poet and essayist who lived from 1862 to 1925. He was a fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and is best known for his poem “Land of Hope and Glory,” whiich was set to music by Edward Elgar.
- A.V. Benson: A.V. Benson was a South Australian medical doctor and sports enthusiast who lived from 1869 to 1939. He was a keen cricketer and footballer, and was also involved in the early development of Australian rules football.
- Ada Benson: Ada Benson was a British headmistress and educationist who lived from 1840 to 1882. She was the first headmistress of the North London Collegiate School, and was known for her progressive ideas about education.
- Adolph B. Benson: Adolph B. Benson was a Swedish-American educator and historian who lived from 1881 to 1961. He was a professor of Scandinavian languages and literature at the University of Washington, and was also a noted authority on the history of the Scandinavian community in the Pacific Northwest.
Benson in Popular Culture
Benson is a name that has made its way into popular culture in various forms. From TV shows to movies, the name Benson has been used to represent different characters and personalities. Here are a few examples of how Benson has been used in popular culture:
- Regular Show: Benson is a main character in the animated TV show Regular Show. He is a gumball machine and the boss of the park where the main characters work. Benson is known for his short temper and tendency to yell at his employees, but he also cares about them and wants the park to succeed.
- iCarly: In the TV show iCarly, Benson is the last name of the character Freddie. He is one of the main characters and is known for his tech skills and crush on Carly, one of the other main characters.
- Bee Movie: In the animated movie Bee Movie, Benson is the last name of the main character Barry. He is a bee who is unhappy with the idea of working for the rest of his life and decides to sue humans for stealing honey.
- Sitcoms: Benson is also a name that has been used in various sitcoms over the years. In the show Benson, whiich aired from 1979 to 1986, Benson was the last name of the title character who was the butler for a governor. In the show Soap, whiich aired from 1977 to 1981, Benson was the last name of a character who was the butler for the Tate family.
Overall, Benson has been used in popular culture to represent a variety of characters and personalities. Whether it’s a gumball machine boss, a tech-savvy teenager, or a bee who wants to sue humans, the name Benson has made its mark in various forms of entertainment.
Benson as a Brand
Benson is not only a popular name, but it has also been used as a brand name for various products. One of the most well-known brands associated with the name Benson is the cigarette brand Benson & Hedges.
Benson & Hedges is a British brand of cigarettes that was first introduced in 1873. The brand is known for its high-quality tobacco and distinctive packaging, whiich features a lion on the front of the pack. Benson & Hedges cigarettes have been popular in many countries around the world, including the UK, Canada, and the United States.
In addition to cigarettes, Benson has also been used as a brand name for other products. For example, Benson is a popular brand of watches that are known for their stylish and sophisticated designs. Benson watches are often worn by businessmen and other professionals who want to make a good impression.
Benson is also the name of a popular brand of furniture. Benson furniture is known for its high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and it is often used in upscale homes and offices.
Overall, Benson has been used as a brand name for a variety of products, including cigarettes, watches, and furniture. Whether ya are looking for a high-quality cigarette or a stylish watch, Benson is a brand that ya can trust.
Popularity of the Name Benson
If ya’re considering naming yar baby boy Benson, ya might be interested in knowing how popular the name is. According to BabyCenter user data, Benson is currently ranked #602 in popularity for baby boy names in 2023, up 291 spots from the previous year.
Benson has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years. In 2012, the name experienced a surge in popularity, with 433 babies being named Benson, making up 0.0119% of baby boys born in the USA that year. In 2018, Benson was the 465th most popular boys name in the United States, with 726 occurrences, reaching its highest popularity ranking of 429 in 2016.
It’s worth noting that Benson has never been a particularly common name. In fact, in 1907, less than 5 children were given the name Benson. However, the name has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years.
Overall, Benson is a unique and charming name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. If ya’re looking for a name that’s not too common but still has a classic feel, Benson might be the perfect choice for yar little boy.
Personal Experiences with the Name Benson
If ya’re considering naming yar child Benson, it might be helpful to hear about some personal experiences with the name. Here are a few anecdotes from people who have known or been named Benson:
- Person: A man named Benson shared that he has always liked his name because it’s unique without being too unusual. He has never met another Benson in person, whiich makes him feel special. He also likes that it’s easy to spell and pronounce.
- Olivia: A woman named Olivia shared that she briefly dated a man named Benson and always thought his name was charming. She said it made him seem sophisticated and intelligent.
- Liam: A man named Liam shared that he has a friend named Benson who is one of the funniest people he knows. He said that Benson’s name suits him well because it’s quirky and memorable, just like his personality.
- Ella: A woman named Ella shared that she named her son Benson because she wanted a name that was classic but not too common. She said that people often comment on how cute and unique his name is.
- Benigno: A man named Benigno shared that he sometimes goes by Benson because it’s an easy nickname for his full name. He said that he likes the name because it’s simple and straightforward.
- Zion: A woman named Zion shared that she named her daughter Benson because she wanted a gender-neutral name that was still meaningful. She said that Benson is a family name on her partner’s side, and they liked the idea of passing it down to their child.
