Benedict Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Benedict has its origins in the Latin word 'Benedictus', meaning 'blessed'. It has evolved through various forms in different languages and gained prominence due to its association with Saint Benedict. The name carries traits of wisdom and piety, and it does not have a biblical background. It has seen continuous use since the Middle Ages and remains a respected name today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Benedict"
Pronunciation
/ˈbɛnɪdɪkt/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Benedict derives from the Latin name 'Benedictus', which means 'blessed'. It was popularized by Saint Benedict of Nursia, who is considered the father of Western monasticism.
Meaning
blessed
Language Evolution
Benedictus (Latin), Benedict (Old French), Benedict (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian world during the Middle Ages, particularly due to the influence of Saint Benedict. It has remained a common name throughout history.
Variants & Derivatives
Ben, Benny, Benedicto, Benedetta
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Benedict is viewed as a classic and traditional name, often associated with wisdom and piety, partly due to its historical and religious significance.
Famous People
Saint Benedict, Benedict Arnold, Pope Benedict XVI, Benedict Cumberbatch
📊 Benedict Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Benedict Name Visualizations
✨ Benedict Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 254 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 33 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Benedict" - Complete Guide (2 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Benedict". 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 2 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 "Benedict" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Benedict"
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 "Benedict"
"Benedict" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 552nd of 7545 | 2,031 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 729th of 6773 | 1,341 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 811th of 7552 | 1,580 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1175th of 10718 | 799 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1563rd of 16616 | 805 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1724th of 24088 | 1,238 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1080th of 23106 | 2,252 |
Regional Popularity of "Benedict" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
26.55% 376th/1416 |
22.99% 317th/1379 |
73.42% 1737th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
35.83% 554th/1546 |
24.36% 379th/1556 |
78.92% 1857th/2353 |
73.11% 1131st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
31.88% 710th/2227 |
22.67% 551st/2430 |
54.57% 1557th/2853 |
29.55% 820th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
49.30% 1448th/2937 |
25.75% 897th/3483 |
47.84% 1683rd/3518 |
29.97% 1212th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
42.52% 1567th/3685 |
26.70% 1195th/4475 |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
21.58% 1363rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
34.13% 1564th/4582 |
27.61% 1426th/5164 |
30.69% 2244th/7313 |
22.63% 1689th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
20.73% 826th/3984 |
27.93% 1253rd/4487 |
19.19% 1309th/6822 |
18.15% 1139th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Benedict" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| 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 "Benedict"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Benedict" 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 "Benedict" in the United States
The name Benedict is most popular in Minnesota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Benedict has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male 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 male in West. Across generations, 'Benedict' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 552nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 729th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 811th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1175th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1563rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1724th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1080th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Benedict' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.