Benjy

Benjy is an endearing diminutive form of Benjamin, a name with Hebrew origins meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." This cheerful nickname has a friendly, approachable quality that maintains the traditional roots of Benjamin while offering a more casual alternative. While less commonly used as a formal given name than Benjamin, Benjy has maintained steady usage particularly in English-speaking countries. The spelling variant "Benji" gained notable recognition through the popular 1974 film about a lovable stray dog named Benji, which helped cement the name's associations with loyalty and warmth. The nickname carries a youthful energy that some men choose to maintain into adulthood.

Pronounced BEN-jee.

As of October 2026, Benjy ranked #9026 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1664 in 1974.