Find out how popular the first name Bennet has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bennet by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Bennet is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Bennet being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 82 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Bennet.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Bennet in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Bennet

The name Bennet has its origins in the medieval English language, derived from the Old French word "benet," which means "blessed." This name gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in England and parts of France.

In its earliest form, the name was spelled as "Benet" or "Beneit," and it was often associated with those who were considered pious or devout. Over time, the spelling evolved to "Bennet," which became the more commonly accepted variation.

One of the earliest known references to the name Bennet can be found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. Several individuals with the name Benet were recorded in this historical document, indicating the name's usage during the Norman period.

Throughout the centuries, the name Bennet has been borne by various notable individuals. One such figure was Saint Benet Biscop (628-690), an Anglo-Saxon monk who founded the monasteries of St. Peter's at Wearmouth and St. Paul's at Jarrow in Northumbria, England. His contributions to monastic life and scholarship were significant during the 7th century.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Sir John Bennet (c. 1553-1627), an English politician and landowner who served as a member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He played a crucial role in the colonization of Virginia and was a member of the Virginia Company.

In the realm of literature, the name Bennet is perhaps most famously associated with the character of Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of Jane Austen's acclaimed novel "Pride and Prejudice," published in 1813. The witty and spirited Elizabeth Bennet has become an iconic figure in English literature.

The name Bennet has also been carried by several notable scientists and scholars, including Thomas Bennet (1673-1728), an English philosopher and writer who was a member of the Royal Society and published works on philosophy and theology.

Finally, one cannot overlook the significance of the name Bennet in the realm of music. Tony Bennet (born 1926), the legendary American singer and painter, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over seven decades, known for his timeless vocals and enduring career.

These are just a few examples of the notable individuals who have borne the name Bennet throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence across various fields and cultures over the centuries.

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 Bennet was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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