The Benjamen surname is derived from the Hebrewpersonal 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.
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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
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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
Benjamen has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Benjamen have been found, including 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
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Benjamens to arrive on North American shores: 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..
England
