Benji

An uncommon Hebrew pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsHebrewDeclining Also a pet name
#1627 21in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A diminutive of the male given name Benjamin.

Benji is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, a diminutive of Benjamin, meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south,' from the Hebrew Binyamin. Benji has worked as a standalone name since at least the 1970s, when the beloved dog film Benji made the name synonymous with loyalty and lovability.

Benji has an irresistible warmth — it's the name of the good boy in every sense of the phrase. It carries the gentle energy of Benjamin in a form that's immediately approachable, without a trace of stuffiness. A name that everyone likes instantly.

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Popularity Over Time

Benji climbed 6591 spots in the last 20 years — from #8218 to #1627.

042841261681960198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Benji
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s527
2010s454
2000s137
1990s87
1980s157
1970s566
1960s150
1950s64

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(71 years, 19522024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Benji
YearBirthsRank
2024104#1627
2023108#1606
2022130#1414
202182#1869
2020103#1579
201976#1940
201873#1993
201766#2093
201649#2558
201555#2359
201444#2713
201329#3590
201219#4881
201119#4837
201024#4114
200919#4943
200814#6105
200717#5228
200616#5333
200516#5063

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Benji as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Benji has also been given to 63 girls in the U.S. since 1956.

Unranked
Current rank
63
Total births
1975
Peak year
Compare Benji as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Benji be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Benji is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1627. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Benji has two lives

Benji, the baby name
#1627boys
2,142 babies
Currently viewing
Benji, the pet name
#41pet name
1,790 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (19522024) · Methodology