Find out how popular the first name Benna has been for the last 11 years (from 2003 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Benna by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Benna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Benna.

The history of the first name Benna

The name Benna has its roots in ancient Celtic culture and language. It is believed to have originated from the Brittonic word "benn" or "ben," which means "peak" or "summit," referring to a high hill or mountain. This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with people who lived in or near mountainous regions.

The earliest recorded use of the name Benna can be traced back to ancient Roman records, where it was mentioned as a personal name among the Celts living in what is now parts of France and Britain. The name appears in several inscriptions and historical texts from the 1st century AD onwards, indicating its widespread use among the Celtic population during the Roman era.

One notable historical figure bearing the name Benna was a Celtic chieftain who led a rebellion against Roman rule in Gaul (modern-day France) in the late 1st century BC. Although details about his life are scarce, his defiance against the Roman Empire has been documented in several ancient sources, making him one of the earliest known individuals with this name.

In the 5th century AD, a Breton monk named Benna is said to have founded the monastery of Lannbennec in Brittany, France. This monastic community played a significant role in preserving Celtic traditions and culture during the early medieval period, and the name Benna became associated with this religious figure and his legacy.

Another notable figure was Benna of Armorica, a Breton prince who lived in the 6th century AD. He is recorded as having played a crucial role in the establishment of the Kingdom of Brittany and the consolidation of Breton power in the region.

In the 9th century, Benna mac Áeda was a renowned Irish scholar and scribe who worked at the renowned monastery of Clonmacnoise. His writings and transcriptions of ancient texts contributed significantly to the preservation of Irish literature and history.

Throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance period, the name Benna continued to be used among Celtic populations, particularly in Brittany, Wales, and parts of Ireland. Several historical records and genealogies from this era mention individuals bearing this name, though their specific biographical details are often obscure.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Benna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Benna, please contact us.

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