Benson (surname)

The surname Benson is of patronymic origin, meaning it originated from a personal name. It is derived from the given name "Ben," which is a short form of the name "Benedict" or sometimes "Benjamin." "Benedict" is from the Latin "Benedictus," meaning "blessed." Alternatively, in some cases, "Ben" could be derived from "Benjamin," a Hebrew name meaning "son of the right hand."

Therefore, Benson essentially means "son of Ben" or "son of Benedict/Benjamin."

The surname is found primarily in England and the United States. Like many surnames, its spelling may vary slightly across different families and generations (e.g., Bennison). Historical records show the surname appearing in various English counties as early as the 13th century.

Notable people with the surname Benson include individuals in diverse fields such as:

• Politics: Examples include politicians, past or present.
• Arts and Entertainment: Examples include actors, writers, and musicians.
• Sports: Examples include athletes in various sports.
• Science and Academia: Examples include researchers and academics.

Genealogical research can provide further information about specific Benson family lines and their origins.