Ben
Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
85,516 Total Births
145 Years of Data
1918 Peak Popularity Year
1,293 Peak Births

Ben Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

Ben is a Hebrew name meaning 'son'. It has evolved from the Hebrew 'ben' through various forms in different languages. The name is biblically relevant as it is linked to Benjamin from the Hebrew Bible. Ben is commonly viewed as a friendly and approachable name, with notable figures such as Ben Franklin and Ben Affleck contributing to its modern popularity.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Ben"

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Pronunciation

/bɛn/

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Origin

Hebrew

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Etymology

The name Ben is derived from the Hebrew word 'ben', meaning 'son'. It is often used as a prefix in Hebrew names to denote 'son of'.

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Meaning

son

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Language Evolution

Ben (Modern English), Binyamin (Hebrew), Benjamin (Latinized form)

Biblical Background

The name Ben is commonly associated with the Hebrew Bible, particularly as a short form of Benjamin, who was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel.

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Historical Usage

The name Ben gained popularity in English-speaking countries, especially in the 19th century as a standalone name or a diminutive of Benjamin.

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Variants & Derivatives

Benjamin, Benny, Benji

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Modern Popularity & Image

Currently, Ben is perceived as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with reliability and warmth.

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Famous People

Ben Franklin (Founding Father of the United States), Ben Affleck (Actor and filmmaker), Ben Stiller (Actor and comedian)

📊 Ben Name Trend Analysis

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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable
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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More Ben Name Visualizations

✨ Ben Name Meaning & Significance

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 1,293 peak births in 1918

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 47 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Ben" - Complete Guide (1 Names)

Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Ben". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.

Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Ben" that fits your preferences.

Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Ben"

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History of "Ben"

"Ben" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 128th of 7545 20,878
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 178th of 6773 15,319
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 256th of 7552 15,854
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 323rd of 10718 9,494
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 475th of 16616 6,324
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 596th of 24088 6,281
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 755th of 23106 3,939
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Girl 2543rd of 9107 217
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Girl 3609th of 9204 117
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 6304th of 12526 66
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 10663rd of 19264 39
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 21402nd of 27321 14

Regional Popularity of "Ben" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
11.79%
167th/1416
15.59%
215th/1379
4.02%
95th/2366
9.72%
111th/1142
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
14.75%
228th/1546
19.09%
297th/1556
5.69%
134th/2353
10.02%
155th/1547
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
11.99%
267th/2227
14.49%
352nd/2430
7.75%
221st/2853
8.18%
227th/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
10.04%
295th/2937
11.80%
411th/3483
8.56%
301st/3518
7.00%
283rd/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
11.64%
429th/3685
10.64%
476th/4475
9.38%
487th/5194
7.54%
476th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
12.51%
573rd/4582
8.35%
431st/5164
9.38%
686th/7313
8.00%
597th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
21.44%
854th/3984
11.14%
500th/4487
13.91%
949th/6822
10.85%
681st/6276

Regional Popularity of "Ben" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - 71.26%
1686th/2366
-
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

State-by-State Popularity of "Ben"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Ben" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.

Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Ben" in the United States

The name Ben is most popular in Mississippi, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Ben has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Ben' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 128th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 178th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 256th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 323rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 475th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 596th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 755th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2543rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3609th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6304th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10663rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 21402nd out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Ben' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Ben name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity of Ben,
Infographic: Ben same pronunciation names, similar names, and homophone names
[600x500px image] Ben same pronunciation names, similar names, and homophone names