Benjamin

Benjamin is of Hebrew origin. In the Old Testament Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son. There is no definite meaning for the name Benjamin, but rather several possible meanings. It may mean "son of the right hand." Or, it may mean "son of the south," referring to the fact that Benjamin was the only one of Jacob's sons born in Canaan rather than Mesopotamia, which is farther north. Another possible meaning is "son of my old age," referring to Benjamin having been Jacob's last son. Benjamin's original name was Benoni, given to him by his mother Rachel, who died shortly after, but Jacob renamed him the more pleasant Benjamin. Because of this, the name Benjamin in the Middle Ages was sometimes given to boys whose mothers had died in childbirth. The most famous Benjamin in more modern times was Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd president of the United States. Today the name is still quite popular, not just in the United States, but around the world. Benjamin is a true classic name, and is always a good choice for a baby boy. The cute Benjy for a little boy, and Ben once he's old enough to protest being called Benjy, are nicknames that add to the appeal of this name, though it must be noted that the most famous recent use of the "Benjy" was for a very smart and resourceful dog in the movie of the same name, and its sequels.