בנימין
Meaning of the name בנימין
Benjamin is an ancient Hebrew name with deep and moving significance - "son of the right hand" or "son of the south," symbolizing the beloved and precious son, the one who stands at his father's right side, the place of honor and affection. The name carries with it a touching and complex story from the Book of Genesis, combining profound grief with renewed hope, representing the transition from sorrow to joy, from loss to continuity. The biblical story of Benjamin is one of the most moving in the Book of Genesis. Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, and the second and last son of his beloved wife Rachel. His birth was tragic - Rachel died in difficult childbirth on the way to Ephrath, and with her last breaths she named the infant "Ben-Oni," meaning "son of my sorrow" or "son of my grief," a name that embodied her pain and the tragic circumstances. However, Jacob, in his wisdom and love, chose to change the name to "Benjamin" - son of the right hand, son of fortune and blessing. This change reflects Jacob's desire to give his youngest son a future of hope and joy, rather than leaving him marked by the grief of loss. Benjamin was unique among Jacob's sons in being the only one born in the Land of Israel, near Bethlehem, which gave him special status among the brothers. The tribe of Benjamin held an important place in the history of the people of Israel. The tribe's inheritance was a small but strategic area, including Jerusalem and its surroundings, between the tribe of Judah to the south and the tribe of Ephraim to the north. This location made the tribe of Benjamin a central factor in Israel's political and religious history. From the tribe came key biblical figures, including King Saul - Israel's first king, and Mordechai the Jew from the Book of Esther. The tribe was known for its courage and fighting skills, as described in Jacob's blessing: "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf" - an image of strength and valor. However, the tribe also experienced periods of crisis, such as the tragic incident of the concubine in Gibeah, which nearly led to the tribe's complete destruction. Despite all difficulties, the tribe of Benjamin survived and remained faithful, and it is one of the two tribes (along with Judah) that continued to exist after the exile of the ten tribes. In Jewish culture throughout the generations, the name Benjamin has carried meanings of affection, loyalty, and hope. It symbolizes the beloved son, the youngest and most protected, but also courage and strength. In European Jewish communities, the name was very common, with many affectionate forms in different languages - Binyamin, Binyan, Benny, Min, Mindel, and Binish in Yiddish. In modern times, the name has returned to great popularity in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, partly due to prominent figures such as Benjamin Ze'ev Herzl, founder of political Zionism. The name uniquely combines biblical antiquity with contemporary relevance, tradition with modernity, and continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a name with deep meaning, rich history, and pleasant sound.
The name בנימין with vowels
בִּנְיָמִין
The name בנימין in English
Benjamin | Binyamin | Benny | Ben
בנימין is mainly suitable for
Boy
Is the name בנימין considered international
Yes
Origin of the name בנימין from the Bible
Genesis 35:18 - And she called his name Ben-Oni, but his father called him Benjamin
Origin of the name בנימין from Kabbalah
In Kabbalah, Benjamin symbolizes the sefirah of Yesod, which connects the spiritual worlds to the material world. He is considered the "righteous foundation of the world," the one who connects heaven and earth. Jacob's blessing to Benjamin - "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning he devours the prey, and at evening he divides the spoil" - is interpreted as a symbol of spiritual power operating in both worlds: "in the morning" symbolizes the World to Come, and "at evening" this world. The name also represents the special bond between the youngest son and the father, reflecting the connection between the human soul and its Creator.
Gematria value for the name בנימין
162
=
2
ב
+
50
נ
+
10
י
+
40
מ
+
10
י
+
50
ן
Numerology value for the name בנימין
9
=
2
ב
+
50
נ
+
10
י
+
40
מ
+
10
י
+
50
ן
=
162
=
1
+
6
+
2
=
9
Famous people named בנימין
Benjamin Netanyahu - Prime Minister of Israel | Benjamin Franklin - American statesman and scientist | Benjamin Disraeli - British Prime Minister | Benjamin Harrison - 23rd President of the United States | Benjamin Bratt - American actor | Benjamin McKenzie - American actor | Ben Stiller - American actor and comedian
Total times the name בנימין was registered
16485 times
Graph of the name בנימין
* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022