Benjamin is the son of Jacob and Rachel in the Bible. His name comes from Hebrew Binyamin meaning “son of the right” or “son of the south” made up from Hebrew benבֵּן (son) which derives from a Proto-Semitic word; and yamin יָמִין (right (hand), right side; south. Benjamin has also been interpreted as meaning “son of days”, probably referencing the advanced age of his father Jacob when he was born. Benjamin is also a surname originating from the given name.
Nicknames: Ben, Benji/Benjy, Benny/Bennie, Benj
Origin: Proto-Semitic
Variants:
- Binyamin (Hebrew, Arabic)
- Benjamín (Spanish, Czech, Slovak, Icelandic)
- Benjámin (Hungarian)
- Beniamino (Italian)
- Benjaminas (Lithuanian)
- Venijamin (Macedonian)
- Benjamim (Portuguese)
- Beniamin (Romanian, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek)
- Veniamin (Russian)
- Venyamin (Russian)
- Bünyamin (Turkish)
- Peni (Hawaiian)
Female forms:
- Benjamine (French)
- Benjamina (English)
penwithlit 