Benjamin

Meaning: (Son of the Right Hand, Son of the South, Son of my Old Age, Biblical: Benjamin was the 12^th, youngest and most beloved son of the patriarch Jacob and Rachel, and was originally named Benoni (Son of my Mourning) The name given by Rachel to her second son as she was dying during the delivery. Jacob changed his name to Benjamin, meaning “Son of the Right Hand.” In the Middle Ages, it was often given to sons whose mothers had died in childbirth, though it has no such connotations today. Brought into use by the Puritans until the end of the 19^th Century. After several decades of disuse, came back to great popularity by the 1970’s. Ben is the short form; Benjie, Bennie, and Benny are pet forms. Diplomat and Inventor Benjamin Franklin, American President Benjamin Harrison, Jazz Musician Benny Goodman, Pediatrician and Oracle Benjamin Spock, British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, Actor Benjamin Bratt.)

Origin: (Hebrew, Biblical)

Pronunciation: (BEN-ja-men, BEN-jah-min, ben-juh-men)

Gender: Male

It’s a lovely old name with wonderful history. I was just reading a bit of my bible at the part about Joseph. One of his brothers is named Benjamin and it was his only brother with the same father and mother. I also saw a commercial the other day that was funny that had a man named Benjamin, I think it was based off Benjamin Franklin. It is a fabulous old fashioned name that can fit in any era so it is a wonderful diverse character name.