Benjamin comes from the Hebrew Binyamin, usually translated as "son of the right hand," a phrase that suggests a favored child. In the Bible, Benjamin is the youngest of Jacob's twelve sons. It has been used in English since the Reformation and has rarely been out of fashion since.
Compared with names like Elizabeth or Robert, Benjamin has a short nickname list, and that's part of its appeal. Almost every Benjamin is a Ben at some point, and the variations on Ben are all friendly and easy: Benny, Benji, Benjy and the clipped Benj. Benjamin Franklin is perhaps the most famous Ben in American history, and he's still casually called Ben Franklin today.
Rather than inventing nicknames to pad the list, this page covers the real ones, plus the forms Benjamin takes in other languages, which are useful if you want a nod to family heritage. For playful ideas that go beyond traditional short forms, switch the Nickname Generator above to Cute, Funny or Cool.
Ben and its variations
Nearly every Benjamin nickname starts with Ben.
- BenThe universal short form. Short, warm and dependable.
- BennyBen with a -y ending. Playful and affectionate.
- BennieAnother spelling of Benny, with a slightly retro feel.
- BenjiA bouncy, cheerful pet form, popular for little boys.
- BenjyAnother spelling of Benji.
- BenjA clipped form that keeps a hint of the J. The songwriter Benj Pasek goes by it.
Benjamin around the world
The forms Benjamin takes in other languages, some with pet forms of their own.
- BinyaminThe original Hebrew form of the name.
- BenjamínThe Spanish form, stressed on the last syllable.
- BenjamimThe Portuguese form.
- BeniaminoThe Italian form.
- VeniaminThe Russian form.
- VenyaThe usual Russian pet form of Veniamin.
- BünyaminThe Turkish form.
Choosing a Benjamin nickname
- Ben is so common that many families pick Benji or Benny for a young Benjamin, then let him choose Ben later.
- If there's already a Ben in the family, Benj or the full Benjamin keeps the two apart.
- Say it with the last name. Ben is great with long surnames; Benjamin balances a short one.
- For a truly personal nickname, try the Cute or Best friend settings in the generator above, which build playful names from Ben.
Common questions
What is the most common nickname for Benjamin?
Ben, by far. Benny and Benji are the most common alternatives, especially for younger boys.
What does Benjamin mean?
It comes from the Hebrew Binyamin, usually translated as "son of the right hand." In the Bible, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob.
Is Benji short for Benjamin?
Yes. Benji (also spelled Benjy) is a pet form of Benjamin built on Ben. It's especially common for young boys.