Ben - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's name Ben \ben\ is pronounced ben. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "son". Short form of Benjamin, or less commonly of Benedict or Bennett. Now used as an independent given name, being especially popular in Ireland. Many Hebrew names combine Ben with another name, for example Ben-Baruch, meaning "son of the blessed". Bennie and Benny are pet forms; Benn is an English surname. Playwright Ben Jonson; actors Ben Gazzara, Ben Stiller, Ben Vereen, Ben Affleck; musician Benny Goodman.

Ben has 6 variant forms: Benji, Benjy, Benn, Benne, Bennie and Benny.

For more information, see also the related name Bentley.

Baby names that sound like Ben are Ban and Pen.

Ben is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Ben. Click here to compare Ben with related baby names.