The name Benedict is a boy's name of Latin origin meaning "blessed". Benedict and is often added to lists like Vintage Boy Names and discussed in our forums with posts like "Baby a Day".
From the experts:
Parents who like Ben and Benjamin but find those forms too popular sometimes consider Benedict as a more distinctive choice. Unlike the Old Testament Benjamin, Benedict is the name of the saint who formed the Benedictine Order and of fifteen popes,including a recent one.
Shakespeare used a variant form--Benedick--for the character in Much Ado About Nothing. Other options are Bennett and Benno.
Benedict Cumberbatch is a rising British stage, film and TV actor, who has been seen as Stephen Hawking, William Pitt, Dr. Frankenstein, Frankenstein's monster, and currently as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series.
Just one caveat: There is the link to that infamous traitor Benedict Arnold.
Lists containing Benedict:
- Vintage Boy Names
- Vintage Baby Names
- Celebrity-Inspired Baby Names
- Magical Christmas Baby Names
- Classic Baby Names with a Twist
- Papal Names
- Saints' Names For Boys
- Names That Mean Luck
- Cool Classic Boy Names — 100+ below the Top 1000
- Posh Baby Names
- July Baby Names
- Names That Mean Blessed
- Fancy Boy Names
Benedict in Blog Posts
Benedict in the Forums
Comments
Netta5187 Says:
tfzolghadr Says:
Being American, it's still waaay too Benedict Arnold. Unfortunately, even Mr. Cumberbatch is not powerful enough to weaken that association...
WiseBird39 Says:
I think that this name would be totally doable in the modern world, what with Benedict Cumberbatch and the nickname "Ben". Benedict also goes very well with some more modern names as middles, which help freshen it up even further. This name deserves a comeback!
EW314 Says:
I've never liked this name due to negative personal associations, but just recently it's really been growing on me. I like Benjamin too, but Benedict just feels a lot more grown-up, refined and distinctive. Benedict Cumberbatch has definitely helped with my Benedict epiphany!
Davem Says:
Never heard of Benedict Arnold. Love the name and Benedict Cumberbatch and Benedict Allen!
headintheclouds Says:
This is a pretty popular name amongst the Catholic side of my extended family- I have four younger relatives of varying ages and familial connections named Benedict, all nicknamed Ben! I think Ned would also make a great and more unexpected nickname.
I think it's a handsome and strong name, and since I'm not American, I don't associate it with the Benedict Arnold connection at all. I mostly think of saints, family members and the Catholic association, and a little of Benedict Cumberbatch too (love him!).
Nooshi Says:
I know, I used to hate the name until I saw Sherlock. Now I absolutely love it.
Guest Says:
The credit goes to Benedict Cumberbatch for making this name so appealing and weakening the association with Benedict Arnold.
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I associate this name with my patron saint, St. Benedict, the founder of western Monasticism.