The baby name Benson takes popular Ben in a slightly different surname direction.
Thanks to Ella for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES THE NAME BENSON MEAN?
Benjamin dates to the Old Testament.
It means either “son of the south” or “son of the right hand.” It’s traditional and very popular right now, ranking just outside of the current United States Top Ten.
Of course, there’s also Benedict. That name comes from the late Latin Benedictus, meaning blessed.
Famous people answer to both names, from Benjamin Franklin to Benedict Cumberbatch.
The baby name Benson means “son of Ben.” Typically, it means “son of Benedict.” Similar names like Jackson, Harrison, and other -son ending surnames have become popular first names over the years.
But Ben (and Benn and Benne) are short forms of Benjamin, too, and sometimes other European surnames. For example, Berntsen or Bernsen might be Anglicized to Benson, though it ultimately comes from Bernard. Bensen might just be a slight difference in spelling, or it might come from Bence, which is either a completely different name … or one more entry in the long list of names derived from Benedict.
It’s found on the map in a handful of places. The village of Benson in Oxfordshire, England, played a role in the English Civil War back in the 17th century. Its influence has slowly waned since then. As for the name? It’s not about a Benjamin or Benedict or any other Ben at all. Instead, it’s related to an old school given name with a more dramatic meaning: slayer.
BENSON AS A GIVEN NAME
Like many surnames, we can all think of a few famous uses, including:
- Olivia Benson, fictional detective at the heart of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.
- Early 1980s sitcom Benson, featuring Benson DuBois, the head of household for a governor.
- British cigarette brand Benson & Hedges – the surnames of the company co-founders have been around since the 19th century.
None of this likely encourages parents to choose Benson as a given name.
But this English surname did get a big boost from pop culture in recent years.
BENSON BOONE
Could there be a more perfect name for a singer? It’s the same category as (fictional) Finn Hudson from Glee or the (real) Walker Hayes – though he was born Charles Edgar Walker Hayes.
Benson James Boone rose to fame on TikTok. He’d actually been selected for American Idol in 2021, but decided he was already on his way, even without the reality competition.
Boone scored his first mega-hit with “Beautiful Things” in January of 2024. It broke all sorts of records. He’s still going strong, with chart-toppers like “Mystical Magical.” (As of this writing, Spotify puts at #51 on their list of most-streamed artists. Or, behind Bruno Mars but ahead of Harry Styles.)
It’s exactly the kind of pop culture use that can boost a given name.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME BENSON?
First names beginning with Ben have been big in the United States.
As of 2024, the US Top 1000 includes:
- Ben
- Benjamin
- Benedict
- Bennett
- Bentley
- Benicio
- Benny
- … and yes – the baby name Benson, too
Beyond our love of Ben, trends continue to favor surname names, across gender lines.
But Benson is used almost exclusively for boys. As of 2024, it ranked #435. That’s a big leap from #616 the year before – almost certainly down to the appeal of the musician.
BENSON: ONE TO WATCH
Just like so many surnames with English origins, the baby name Benson feels like it ought to be a first name.
With the singer Benson Boone still very much in the spotlight, it’s easy to imagine the baby name Benson continuing to climb.
After all, it’s the perfect substitute for Bennett or Jackson – a name that fits in with our current preferences.
If you’re looking for a Ben- name a little more contemporary than Benedict or Benjamin, Benson deserves a closer look.
What do you think of the baby name Benson?
