Surname Benson - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling Personal Identity & Heritage: A Journey Into The Roots Of the Benson Lineage Through iGENEA DNA Test
Through the iGENEA DNA test, I unearthed layers of my own identity, originating from my Benson lineage. This journey into my ancestry not only built bridges into the past, but also changed my perspective on personal identity and heritage.
X. Benson
read moreBenson: What does the surname Benson mean?
Benson is a patronymic surname of English origin, which signifies "son of Ben". The name “Ben” is derived from the Hebrew name Benjamin, which means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south". The suffix "son" is common in English surnames, often denoting lineage. Patronyms were usually based on a variety of given names, occupations, and even locations. The surname Benson first emerged during the era when the family system was standardized in Britain, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Today, it is a relatively common surname and can be found in many English-speaking countries. Noteworthy people with the surname include actor Robby Benson, director Mike Benson, and musician George Benson, among others. Almost all patronymic surnames, including Benson, have multiple potential origins and meanings due to the diversity of language and cultural influences over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisBenson: Where does the name Benson come from?
The surname Benson is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a patronymic name derived from the medieval given name Benne, which is a short form of Benjamin. The suffix '-son' means 'son of,' hence Benson can be interpreted as 'son of Benne' or 'son of Benjamin.' This naming tradition was common in medieval England where an individual's occupation, the son of someone, or a distinctive characteristic formed the basis for surnames.
The name Benson can be traced back to Northeast England, particularly in areas like Yorkshire and Lancashire, with the earliest written record dating back to the 13th century. Over time, due to migration and colonization, it spread to various regions around the globe.
Today, the surname Benson is commonly found in the United States, England, Australia and Canada. According to some statistics, it is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England. Around the world, it is estimated that there are approximately 266 thousand individuals who bear Benson as their surname, making it the 1,821st most common surname globally.
Variations of the surname Benson
The surname Benson, predominantly popular in the Anglo-Saxon culture, is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Ben or Benn, shortened forms of Benjamin, and the suffix "son" meaning "son of". Variations and spelling alternatives comprise primarily Bensone, Bensoun, Benison, Bennson, Bennison, Bennsone, and Beneson.
The surname Benson may also be found under its various spelling transformations in different languages such as Bentsen, Bensen, or Benssen (in Danish and Norwegian), and Bensonsson (in Swedish).
It is also important to note that some surnames could be a result of anglicization or translation of non-English names with similar meanings. For example, the German surname Sohn von Ben, or the Russian surname Benin could have been potentially anglicized to 'Benson'.
The variation in the spelling of surnames over centuries can be attributed to a lack of literacy and standardized spelling, as well as the influence of different languages and dialects. Therefore, it's possible to find additional variations and spelling alternatives for this surname.
Famous people with the name Benson
- Ashley Benson: American actress known for "Pretty Little Liars".
- Amber Benson: Another American actress who appeared in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
- George Benson: Renowned American jazz guitarist.
- Jodi Benson: American voice actress and singer who voiced Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid".
- Robby Benson: Famous American actor, singer, and educator.
- Frank Benson: Acclaimed English Shakespearean actor.
- Jessica Benson: American singer from the girl group Cheetah Girls.
- Ann Warder Benson: Author who wrote over a dozen books about jewelry making.
- Carville Benson: Politician who served as the US Representative from Maryland.
- Karla Benson: American R&B singer who was a member of the group "Rufus".
- Doug Benson: American comedian, actor, and cannabis rights activist known for his stand-up routine.
- Kris Benson: American former Major League Baseball starting pitcher.
- Anna Benson: American model, former stripper, ex-wife of Kris Benson.
- Gretchen Hoehn Benson: American gymnast who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- Jimmy Benson: A British actor known for his comedy roles.