Binyamin: meaning of the Hebrew name
בִּנְיָמִין
Pronounced bin-yah-MEEN
Meaning of Binyamin
Binyamin is ben yamin, "son of the right hand", the right hand being a symbol of strength and blessing. He was Rachel's youngest son and Jacob's beloved child, and the tribe of Benjamin is named after him.
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing - for she died - that she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
וַיְהִי בְּצֵאת נַפְשָׁהּ כִּי מֵתָה וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ בֶּן־אוֹנִי וְאָבִיו קָרָא־לוֹ בִנְיָמִין׃
Binyamin in Hebrew
Binyamin is written בנימין in Hebrew (with vowel points: בִּנְיָמִין). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- בBet
- נNun
- יYod
- מMem
- יYod
- נNun
Gematria value: 162 (Bet 2 + Nun 50 + Yod 10 + Mem 40 + Yod 10 + Nun 50)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningson of the right hand
- Pronunciationbin-yah-MEEN
- Hebrewבנימין
- Syllables3
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Binyamin ranked #32 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (495 babies).
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 32 | 495 |
| 2023 | 34 | 464 |
| 2022 | 38 | 478 |
| 2021 | 39 | 493 |
| 2020 | 39 | 472 |
| 2019 | 41 | 476 |
| 2018 | 41 | 475 |
| 2017 | 43 | 447 |
| 2016 | 44 | 461 |
| 2015 | 38 | 492 |
| 2014 | 43 | 439 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Binyamin
What does the name Binyamin mean?
Binyamin is ben yamin, "son of the right hand", the right hand being a symbol of strength and blessing. He was Rachel's youngest son and Jacob's beloved child, and the tribe of Benjamin is named after him.
How do you pronounce Binyamin?
Binyamin is pronounced bin-yah-MEEN in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Binyamin in Hebrew?
Binyamin is written בנימין in Hebrew (with vowel points: בִּנְיָמִין).
Is Binyamin a biblical name?
Yes. Binyamin appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 35:18.
How popular is the name Binyamin in Israel?
In 2024, Binyamin ranked #32 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (495 babies). Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Binyamin?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling בנימין adds up to 162 (Bet 2 + Nun 50 + Yod 10 + Mem 40 + Yod 10 + Nun 50).
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