Origin & Meaning of the Benson Surname
What does the last name Benson mean?
The surname Benson carries the meaning "Son of Ben." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 86,081 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Benson ranks as the #365 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Benson come from?
The Benson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Benson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Benson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Benson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Ben |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #365 |
| US Count (2010) | 86,081 |
| Per 100K People | 29.18 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Benson
According to the US Census, the Benson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 86,081 Americans with the Benson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.85% |
| Black | 16.24% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.79% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 1.95% |
Popularity of Benson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Benson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Benson surname increased by 1,848 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Benson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Benson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Benson Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Benson Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Benson
- ✓ The Benson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Benson families live today
- ✓ Notable Benson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Benson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Benson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Benson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benson
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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