The name Bennett has its origins in medieval England and France, derived from the Latin name Benedictus, meaning "blessed". It was originally a surname given to those associated with the Benedictine order of monks, or those living near a Benedictine monastery.

The name can be traced back to the 6th century, when St. Benedict of Nursia founded the Benedictine monastic order, and the name Benedictus became popular among his followers. Over time, it evolved into various forms, such as Benet, Benet, and eventually Bennett.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bennett is in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. Several individuals with the name Bennett or its variations are listed in this historical document.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name was relatively common among the English and French nobility, as well as among the clergy. One notable figure bearing this name was William Bennett, a 13th-century English scholar and theologian who served as Archbishop of Rouen from 1246 to 1249.

In the 16th century, the name gained popularity during the Protestant Reformation, as many parents chose to name their children after prominent Reformers. One such example is Richard Bennett (1510-1571), an English Puritan minister and author who was a vocal critic of the Catholic Church.

In the 17th century, we find the name associated with the English Civil War. Samuel Bennett (1619-1686) was a Puritan minister and writer who supported the Parliamentarian cause during the conflict.

Moving into the 18th century, James Gordon Bennett (1795-1872) was an influential Scottish-American journalist and publisher who founded the New York Herald newspaper, which played a significant role in shaping American journalism.

In the 19th century, we encounter James Gordon Bennett Jr. (1841-1918), the son of the aforementioned James Gordon Bennett, who took over the New York Herald and continued his father's legacy in journalism. Another notable figure from this period was John Bennett (1812-1897), an American artist and sculptor known for his works depicting Native American subjects.