Benjamen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The Benjamen surname is derived from the Hebrew personal name Benjamin, which literally means "son of the south," or "son of the right hand." The name most likely began to be used in England as a given name following the crusades, and was then taken on as a surname. Thus, the Benjamen surname is Hebrew in origin, but English as a surname, and may be carried by either Christians or Jews.

Early Origins of the Benjamen family

The surname Benjamen was first found in Norfolk, where a Roger Beniamin was listed in the Pipe Rolls in that county in 1166. However, the name is also found in Berkshire, Cambridgeshire and Wiltshire before 1250. 1

Early History of the Benjamen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benjamen research. Another 179 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1500 and 1850 are included under the topic Early Benjamen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Benjamen Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Benjamen include Benjamin, Benjammin, Beniamin, Benjamini, Benjamen and many more.

Early Notables of the Benjamen family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Benjamen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Benjamen family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Richard Benjamin who arrived in Boston in 1632 and John Benjamin who arrived in Massachusetts in 1650. In the southern hemisphere the family name rose to prominence in the Australian colonies, where Benjamin Benjamin served as mayor of the city of Melbourne and was knighted in 1889..

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)