The name Benson, a strong and classic choice for baby boys, has a rich history and a meaning that resonates with strength and lineage. If you’re considering Benson for your son, here’s a comprehensive look at its origins, popularity trends, and similar names to help you make an informed decision.
The Meaning and Origin of Benson
Benson is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Benne" or "Benedict," combined with the suffix "-son," meaning "son of." Therefore, Benson literally translates to "son of Ben" or "son of Benedict." Benedict, a Latin name, means "blessed." This imbues the name with connotations of good fortune and divine favor.
The name’s association with Benedict is significant. Saint Benedict of Nursia, a 6th-century monk, founded the Benedictine Order and is considered the father of Western monasticism. His "Rule of Saint Benedict" greatly influenced the organization of monasteries and the lives of monks throughout Europe. This historical link adds a layer of gravitas and intellectual heritage to the name Benson.
Benson Name Popularity Over Time
How popular is the name Benson? The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides valuable data on name popularity trends in the United States. Let’s delve into the historical data to understand how Benson’s popularity has evolved.
Early 20th Century (1910-1950):
In the early part of the 20th century, Benson was not a particularly common name. From 1910 to 1915, it didn’t even register in the SSA’s rankings. It started appearing sporadically in the rankings around 1916, reaching a rank of 735. Throughout the subsequent decades, its presence remained inconsistent, often fluctuating between ranks of 1000 and 1600. There were many years where the name had no ranking, indicating that fewer than five babies were named Benson in the United States. The highest rank it achieved during this period was 735 in 1916.
Mid to Late 20th Century (1951-2000):
The mid to late 20th century saw a similar pattern of fluctuating popularity. While Benson appeared more frequently in the SSA rankings, it never broke into the top 500. It experienced periods of relative obscurity, disappearing from the rankings altogether in some years. However, there were moments of resurgence, such as in 1969, when it reached a rank of 867. Overall, the name remained a relatively uncommon choice.
21st Century (2001-Present):
The 21st century marks a significant shift in Benson‘s popularity trajectory. Since the early 2000s, the name has experienced a steady climb in the rankings. Starting around the rank of 1700 in 2001, it steadily climbed to the top 1000 in 2008 and continued its ascent. By 2016, it cracked the top 500 and hasn’t looked back.
Recent Years (2017-2023):
In recent years, Benson‘s popularity has continued to surge. While its ranking fluctuated slightly between 2017 and 2023, it consistently remained within the top 650 names for boys. In 2023, Benson ranked 622, with 414 births, representing 0.032% of all male births. This upward trend suggests that Benson is becoming increasingly popular among new parents.
Here’s a summary table of Benson’s popularity in recent years:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 465 | 599 | 0.0429% |
| 2018 | 456 | 593 | 0.0432% |
| 2019 | 493 | 525 | 0.0388% |
| 2020 | 542 | 469 | 0.0368% |
| 2021 | 573 | 447 | 0.0366% |
| 2022 | 648 | 384 | 0.0291% |
| 2023 | 622 | 414 | 0.032% |
Data via SSA.gov.
Names Similar to Benson
If you appreciate the sound and style of Benson, here are some alternative names to consider:
Variants of Benson:
- Bensen: A slightly different spelling that retains the same meaning and sound.
- Benssen: Another spelling variation.
- Bensson: Yet another spelling variation.
Names that Sound Like Benson:
- Benzion: A Hebrew name meaning "son of Zion." It shares a similar phonetic structure with Benson.
Lists Featuring the Name Benson
Finding inspiration for baby names can come from various sources. Looking at curated lists that include Benson can spark ideas and help you discover other names that fit your desired style. (Specific lists to be added here based on further research, focusing on lists emphasizing classic, strong, or surname-style names).
Conclusion
Benson is a name with a rich history, a meaningful origin, and a growing popularity. Its association with "son of Ben" or "son of the blessed" gives it a positive and dignified connotation. The increasing popularity of Benson in the 21st century suggests that it resonates with modern parents seeking a classic yet contemporary name for their sons. Whether you’re drawn to its historical roots, its strong sound, or its rising trend, Benson is undoubtedly a name worth considering for your baby boy.