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Bennett

Pronunciation: [ b-EHN-uht ]

Boy Name #60 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

Blessed by a saint, elevated by Austen, perfected by the nickname Ben

English American French
Classic Sophisticated Vintage Strong Literary

Meaning & Origin

"blessed"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
"little blessed one"
Origin: Latin via Norman French
Language: English
"blessed, well-spoken of"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
"the blessed one"
Origin: Latin Benedictus via French
Language: English

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

Latin Benedictus
French Benoit
German Benedikt
Italian Benedetto
Spanish Benito
Portuguese Benedito

Famous People Named Bennett

B

Bennett Miller

Other

1966

American film director known for Capote, Moneyball, and Foxcatcher

T

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

B

Bennett Cerf

Business

1898

American publisher and co-founder of Random House, one of America's largest publishing companies

T

The Bennet Family Fictional

Other

Central family in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (1813), including Elizabeth, Jane, Lydia, Mary, and Kitty Bennet

B

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

Ben Benny

Pairs Well With

Bennett James Bennett Thomas Bennett Alexander Bennett William Bennett John Bennett Charles Bennett Lee

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Bennett is also used as a girl name, ranked #1060.

View Bennett as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bennett

What does the name Bennett mean?
"blessed" (from Latin). "little blessed one" (from Latin via Norman French). "blessed, well-spoken of" (from Latin). "the blessed one" (from Latin Benedictus via French). 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.
What is the origin of the name Bennett?
Bennett has Latin, Latin via Norman French, Latin Benedictus via French, English, American, and French origins. In Latin, it means "blessed". In Latin via Norman French, it means "little blessed one". In Latin, it means "blessed, well-spoken of". In Latin Benedictus via French, it means "the blessed one".
Is Bennett a boy or girl name?
Bennett is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #60. As a girl name, it is ranked #1060. Bennett is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Bennett?
Bennett is pronounced b-EHN-uht.
How popular is the name Bennett?
Bennett is currently ranked #60 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Bennett?
Common nicknames for Bennett include Ben and Benny.
What are good middle names for Bennett?
Popular middle name pairings include Bennett James, Bennett Thomas, Bennett Alexander, Bennett William, Bennett John, Bennett Charles, and Bennett Lee.
What are good sibling names for Bennett?
Names that pair well with Bennett as siblings include Charlotte, Eleanor, Theodore, Oliver, Arabella, Henry, and Eliza.
How many syllables does Bennett have?
Bennett has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Bennett a common or rare name?
Bennett is a very popular name, ranked #60 among boy names in the United States.

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.

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