Benedict - name meaning and origin

The boy's name Benedict \b(e)-nedi-ct, ben(e)-dict\ is pronounced BEN-a-dikt. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "blessed". From Church Latin Benedictus. A name used by 15 popes and the saint who founded the Christian monastic order, the Benedictines, whose rule of the great monastery at Monte Cassino in Italy is simple, restrained, and practical. Shakespeare's Benedick in "Much Ado About Nothing" is a self-assured, witty bachelor. Benedict is used mainly by Roman Catholics; Bennett is the more common form. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini; actor Benicio del Toro.

Benedict has 23 variant forms: Ben, Bendick, Bendict, Benedetto, Benedick, Benedicto, Benedictos, Benedictus, Benedikt, Benedikte, Bengt, Benicio, Benito, Bennedict, Bennedikt, Bennet, Bennett, Bennie, Bennito, Bennt, Benoit, Bent and Venedictos.

For more information, see also the related name Baruch.

Benedict is an uncommon 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 Benedict. Compare Benedict with related baby names.