"blessed"
Bennett
Pronunciation: [ b-EHN-uht ]
Blessed by a saint, elevated by Austen, perfected by the nickname Ben
Meaning & Origin
"little blessed one"
"blessed, well-spoken of"
"the blessed one"
The Story of Bennett
Bennett derives from the medieval English and French form of Benedict, from the Latin Benedictus meaning blessed or well-spoken of. It was borne widely by followers of Saint Benedict of Nursia (480-547), the founder of Western monasticism whose Rule of Saint Benedict has governed monastic life for 1,500 years. Bennett evolved as a vernacular English surname from the given name Benedict, and Jane Austen's choice of Bennet (with one t) for the family in Pride and Prejudice gave it enduring literary cachet.
Bennett has risen dramatically in the US since 2010, entering the top 50 boys names by 2020. It appeals to parents who want a familiar but distinguished name with the popular nickname Ben—but without the ubiquity of just Benjamin. The literary Pride and Prejudice connection adds considerable charm for book-loving parents.
Saint Benedict's Rule transformed European civilization—Benedictine monasteries preserved knowledge through the Dark Ages, established the rhythm of Western working life (the seven-canonical-hours prayer schedule), and created Europe's great centers of learning. The name Bennett carries this heritage of scholarship and community.
Fun Facts
- Saint Benedict's Rule for monasteries is still followed by tens of thousands of Benedictine monks and nuns worldwide, unchanged for 1,500 years
- Tony Bennett (born Anthony Dominick Benedetto) was one of America's most beloved singers, connecting Bennett to classic American pop culture
- The Bennet family in Pride and Prejudice—with one t—is one of the most famous families in English literature, giving Bennett strong Jane Austen associations
Bennett in Other Languages
Famous People Named Bennett
Bennett Miller
Other
1966
American film director known for Capote, Moneyball, and Foxcatcher
Tony Bennett
Musician
1926
American singer born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known for I Left My Heart in San Francisco and a career spanning seven ...
American singer born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known for I Left My Heart in San Francisco and a career spanning seven decades
Bennett Cerf
Business
1898
American publisher and co-founder of Random House, one of America's largest publishing companies
The Bennet Family Fictional
Other
Central family in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (1813), including Elizabeth, Jane, Lydia, Mary, and Kitty Bennet
Ben Chang Fictional
Other
Eccentric Spanish teacher turned security guard in NBC's Community, played by Ken Jeong
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #60
- Total SSA Count
- 5,095
- Cultural Origins
- English American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Bennett is also used as a girl name, ranked #1060.
View Bennett as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bennett
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About the Name Bennett
Bennett is a boy name with English, American, and French origins . The name means "blessed" in Latin .
Is Bennett a boy or girl name? Bennett is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #60 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,060. Bennett is more commonly used as a boy name.
Bennett is currently ranked #60 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Bennett has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-EHN-uht, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Bennett include Ben and Benny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Bennett include Benny, Bennet, Bennie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.