Surname Bening - Meaning and Origin

Bening: What does the surname Bening mean?

The last name Bening is of Germanic origin, and can be traced back to the 10th century. It is derived from the Germanic words “beno” and “ing,” which roughly translates to “noble protector.” 

Historically, Benings were of noble bloodlines and held prominent positions in society. During the 10th and 11th centuries they established themselves as landowners, making them a powerful family throughout much of modern day Germany.

The name is most likely to have originated in Lower Saxony, where many Benings started their noble lineages. Gradually, the Benings spread throughout Europe and eventually to other countries. Today, it is a common surname in both Europe and the United States, as a result of immigration waves during the 1800s and 1900s.

The name Bening means different things to different people. To some, it represents a proud tradition of nobility and power. To others, the name symbolizes a strong heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a symbol of noble history and lasting legacy.

Bening: Where does the name Bening come from?

The last name Bening is most common in Germany today. In fact, according to Germany's Federal Office for Statistics, it was the 164th most common German surname in 2020. Bening is traditionally an occupational surname, derived from the German word "Bene," which means "bean gatherer" or "farmer." The name was likely given to those who cultivated and gathered beans or other kinds of legumes. From this rural and agricultural origin, the name most likely originated in the Southern and Western regions of Germany.

In 2020, Bening was also the 1,991st most common surname in the United States, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The majority of those bearing this name in the United States today are most likely descendants of German immigrants who came to the United States sometime in the 19th or 20th centuries.

Given its origin and prevalence in Germany, it can be assumed that the last name Bening is pronounced similarly to its original form—with the emphasis on the second syllable. However, the variations of the name can vary depending on the region. In the United States, for example, the name is often pronounced "buh-NING" or "bee-NING."

Variations of the surname Bening

Bening is a German and Dutch family name that derived from the first name Beningino, and has many variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin.

One of the most common and related surnames is Benign. This spelling and surname originated in Bavaria, Germany, and is a shortened version of Bening.

In Holland, Benigni is also a popular variation of Benning. Another very common version of this surname is Beiningen, also from the Netherlands.

In the United States, many people have also Americanized the surname to Beninger and even Benninger.

In French, the surname is written as Bénignon, Bénignonnier, Béninguen, Benignus, Biniou, and Binioux.

In Switzerland, the surname is spelled Beninguer, while in Italy, it is often written as Benigni, Benigno, and Benignu.

Other variations of the surname include Binning, Bening, Benyng, Beningen, Benninga, Benninger, Benninghoff, Benningen, Benigni, Benignon, Benignonnier, Beininger, Binninger, and Benin.

The surname is found all over the world, in countries including France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and countries in Latin America.

Famous people with the name Bening

• Annette Bening: Actress, best known for her roles in films such as American Beauty (1999) and The Kids Are All Right (2010).
• Warren Bening: Son of Annette Bening, and also an actor.
• Benjamin Bening: Canadian television journalist and host of Weekend Breakfast on CTV News Channel.
• Stephen Bening: A New York based actor, writer, and singer.
• Ben Bening: American figure skater.
• John Bening: American photographer, known for his first monograph, Dubble Time, released in 2020.
• Stanley Bening: A British production editor who won a BAFTA Award for best sound in 1975 for his work on the television series Lost Empires.
• Richard Bening: An American logician and computer scientist. He is considered to be one of the founders of artificial intelligence, and was one of the core designers of A.L.I.C.E., an artificial intelligence chatbot.
• Jennifer Bening: The pen name of the Canadian author Merna Summers.
• Radek Bening: A Czechoslovak and Yugoslav professional football player.

Other surnames

BeningaBeninger