Ben
Ben is a boys' name of Hebrew origin meaning “son of the right hand.” It ranked #843 in the United States in 2025. A short form of Benjamin, and less often of Benedict or Bennett, that is also used as a given name by itself.
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how do you pronounce Ben?
BEN
where does the name Ben come from?
A short form of Benjamin, from the Hebrew Binyamin, usually translated son of the right hand. It is also used, less often, as a short form of Benedict and Bennett.
how popular is this name?
Ben has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #43 in 1889, and ranked #843 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #843 |
| 2024 | #800 |
| 2023 | #797 |
| 2022 | #765 |
| 2021 | #765 |
| 2020 | #768 |
| 2019 | #720 |
| 2018 | #691 |
| 2017 | #732 |
| 2016 | #698 |
| 2010 | #692 |
| 2000 | #559 |
| 1990 | #515 |
| 1980 | #349 |
| 1970 | #316 |
| 1960 | #257 |
| 1950 | #250 |
| 1940 | #178 |
| 1930 | #154 |
| 1920 | #137 |
| 1910 | #79 |
| 1900 | #73 |
| 1890 | #54 |
| 1889 | #43 |
| 1880 | #58 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Ben fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Ben
Ben was a top-100 name for boys in the United States from 1880 to 1911, reaching number 43 in 1889, and it has stayed in the top 1,000 every year since. It ranked 843rd in 2025, when the full form Benjamin ranked 11th.
who are famous people named Ben?
- Ben Kingsley (actor)
- Ben Jonson (playwright and poet)
- Ben Stiller (actor and filmmaker)
- Ben Affleck (actor and filmmaker)
what are the nicknames and variants of Ben?
Nicknames
what names are similar to Ben?
what names go well with Ben?
Sibling names that share Ben's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Ben
What does the name Ben mean?
Ben means “son of the right hand”.
What is the origin of the name Ben?
Ben comes from the Hebrew naming tradition. Related forms include Benjamin, Bennett and Benedict.
How popular is the name Ben?
Ben ranked #843 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1889, at #43, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Ben a boy or girl name?
Ben is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Ben?
Ben is pronounced BEN, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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