Benjamin (name)
Benjamin is a popular given name for males, derived from Hebrew בִּנְיָמִין, Bīnyāmīn, translating as "son of the right [hand]" in both Hebrew and Arabic languages, although in the Samaritan Pentateuch the name appears as "Binyaamem": "son of my days".
| Pronunciation | /ˈbɛndʒəmɪn/ |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Origin | |
| Word/name | בִּנְיָמִין Bīnyāmīn |
| Meaning | "Son of my right hand" in Hebrew and Arabic languages. |
| Other names | |
| Variant form(s) | Benyaameen, Benyāmīn, Binyaameen, Binyāmīn |
| Nickname(s) | Ben, Bengie, Benj, Benji, Benjie, Benjo, Benjy, Benno, Benny, Benson, Benvolio, Benzino, Biniam |
Benjamin is often shortened to Ben, and sometimes to Benny, Benito, Benji, etc. It is also a patronymic surname. Like many biblical names, it is popular in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths alike, having many variant forms in other languages.
The "Benjamin of the family" is a phrase used in several languages to refer to the youngest son – especially when he is much younger than his brothers (see also the "youngest son" stock character in fiction). Sometimes the name is chosen for a son born to mature parents unlikely to have more children, especially if he has several older siblings. Both of these usages derive from the biblical son of Jacob of that name, who occupied that position in his family.
Alternate versions of the name exist for females, like Benjamina or Benjawan (used by some actresses and models in Thailand).