The name Benji is a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Benjamin, which means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." The name Benjamin is derived from the Hebrew words "ben" meaning "son" and "yamin" meaning "right hand" or "south." The name has its origins in the biblical figure Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the progenitor of one of the tribes of Israel.

In the Bible, Benjamin is portrayed as the beloved youngest son of Jacob and his wife Rachel. The story of his birth is tragic, as Rachel dies during childbirth and names him Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," but Jacob renames him Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin played a significant role in the history of ancient Israel and was known for its fierce warriors.

The earliest recorded use of the name Benji can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was used as a diminutive form of Benjamin among Jewish communities in Europe. Over time, the name gained popularity and spread to other cultures and languages.

One of the earliest famous individuals named Benji was Benji Eckstein, a German-Jewish actor and comedian who lived from 1871 to 1917. He was known for his roles in Yiddish theater and films during the early 20th century.

Another notable figure was Benji Arieli, an Israeli songwriter and composer who lived from 1921 to 2022. He wrote numerous popular songs and composed the music for several Israeli films.

In the world of sports, Benji Marshall, a New Zealand rugby league player born in 1985, has made a significant impact. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and has represented New Zealand at the international level.

Benji Madden, an American musician and guitarist, was born in 1979 and is best known as a member of the pop punk band Good Charlotte, which he co-founded with his twin brother, Joel.

Benji Gregory, an American actor and comedian born in 1979, is also noteworthy for his roles in various television shows and films, including "Baywatch" and "The Big Lebowski."

While the name Benji has its roots in the Hebrew language and biblical history, it has transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries and has been embraced by people from diverse backgrounds around the world.