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Benson

♂ Boy

Pronounced BEN-sun /ˈbɛnsən/High

Meaning: Son of Ben (Benjamin); son of the right handHigh

In 30 seconds: A warm English patronymic meaning 'son of Benjamin,' carrying the biblical blessing 'son of the right hand.' Benson is friendly, solid, and full of character — a surname name with a warmth that many similar names lack.
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Origin HighEnglish, Hebrew
MeaningSon of Ben (Benjamin); son of the right hand
U.S. rank (2025)#279 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,214 boys (0.07% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 14,308

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518872025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Benson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Ben,' where Ben is a short form of Benjamin. Benjamin derives from the Hebrew Binyamin (בִּנְיָמִין), composed of ben (son) and yamin (right hand), meaning 'son of the right hand' — a phrase indicating favour and blessing. The surname Benson became hereditary in medieval England.

As a given name, Benson has gained momentum in the 21st century alongside other -son surname names like Grayson, Emerson, and Jackson. Its three-syllable feel and the friendly embedded nickname Ben give it broad appeal. It entered the U.S. top 500 for boys in the mid-2020s.

Did you know? Benjamin — the name at Benson's root — was the youngest and most beloved son of Jacob in the Bible, described as 'son of the right hand' — a phrase that in Hebrew idiom meant favour, strength, and blessing.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Benson — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BenBensen

Nicknames

BenBenny

Famous Bearers

  • ★Benson Henderson (1983–present)
    American mixed martial artist, former UFC Lightweight Champion.

If you like Benson…

Grayson— -son surname name with the same modern polish and two-syllable rhythm
Emerson— literary English -son surname name with the same distinguished, approachable feel
Harrison— presidential -son surname with the same history and warmth
Anderson— strong English patronymic with the same dependable -son framework

Frequently Asked

What does the name Benson mean?

Benson means 'son of Ben' — with Ben being a short form of Benjamin, a Hebrew name meaning 'son of the right hand.'

How do you pronounce Benson?

It is said BEN-sun /ˈbɛnsən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Benson a boy or girl name?

Benson is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Benson?

Benson has been rising in the U.S. and entered the top 500 for boys in the mid-2020s.