Benjamin and it's nicknames - loads of questions!

[portabello]

Hi all, we love the name Benjamin and it's nickanmes but are just a little concerned that it's super popular and there will be about 10 in DS's class when he's older.

Does anyone have any idea how popular it is in real terms not just national stats i.e. how many Ben's do you know and what age are they?

Also, is Ben seen as a boring, safe name or a timeless classic? What are your thoughts?

Any other opinions most welcome - I won't take offence :) Ta!

I have a Ben and concur with the view expressed by many - a timeless, classic and strong name. Love it. We decided on it right at the start and never wavered. He is also just a Ben.

My DS1 is Benjamin. There are 2 or 3 other Bens in our road. He has just started Reception though and he is the only one out of 60. There were two in Reception last year. It pretty popular round here but I still love it.

I know one who'd be about 7 now, three 8 year olds, and one about 40. They're all know as Ben - no idea if any of them are really Benjamins or Benedicts.

I know 4 Bens under 5. Not the most exciting name, but it's classless and timeless.

I don't like Benjamin but like Ben. It's not that popular near me. I know a teenage one, his family call him Benji.

I have a Benjamin and he's 22. Now he is called Ben by everyone except his parents. We have a short surname so it makes for a rathe short whole name. We used to call him Bun (short for Benjamin Bunny - Beatrix Potter) and I still do call him that by accident sometimes! Just make sure his initials don't spell anything silly, e.g. BAD or BUM for example.

On average every other mother with boys around here has a Ben. It is a great name but if popularity bothers you I would avoid.

I know 4 Bens born in past 5 yrs - 2 were in the last yr. One of those is called Benji, but the others are Ben. I think it's a lovely name though!

I know 2 Bens - one 11, one 2.