Benson

Benson is an English surname traditionally understood as “son of Ben.” As a given name, it provides a surname-based route to the familiar nickname Ben. It should not automatically be assigned the full meaning of Benjamin or Benedict, since the direct surname meaning describes descent.

Singer Benson Boone is a recognizable bearer. Benson also appears as a television character’s surname, including Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU. Ben and Benny give families shorter everyday options, while Benson preserves the surname style. A family surname connection can be meaningful in its own right without requiring a more elaborate ancient origin.