The surname Benge is believed to have originated from various sources, making its exact origin somewhat difficult to pinpoint with certainty. However, several possibilities have been proposed:
1. English: Derived from a baptismal name for the son of Benjamin or an occupational name for a maker of baskets (from Old French "benge" or "bengue").
2. German: A variant of the name Bünger, which is derived from a short form of various German personal names containing "Bruno," such as Brunkhard, Brunold, and Brunon.
3. Jewish: According to some sources, the surname Benge may have originated in Poland or Germany among Jews, with possible variations like Benig or Benich. In this context, it could be a shortened form of the Hebrew personal name Baruch, which means "blessed."
4. Irish: The name Benge is also found in Ireland and may have Gaelic origins. One possibility is that it derives from the name Beagnach, which means "little bundle" or "kitchen boy." However, this interpretation remains somewhat speculative.
Given these possibilities, the true origin of the surname Benge may remain a topic of debate and require further research to fully understand its history and derivation.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Benge
The surname Benge is of English origin, deriving from a variety of possible sources. One theory suggests that it is an occupational name for a 'maker of bags', with the Old English word "beorc" meaning 'bag' and the Old Norse "bengr" meaning 'edge', both potentially contributing to its formation. Another theory proposes that Benge may have originated as a topographic name, possibly from a place named with the Old English "beng" or "benc", meaning 'bend' or 'elbow'. The surname has several variant spellings including Bengay, Bengy, and Bing. Notable individuals with this surname include American football player John Benge, and British writer Elizabeth Benge Hardy.
Geographical distribution of the last name Benge
The surname Benge is primarily found in Northern Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, due to its Germanic origins. Variations such as Benger and Bengert are also common in these regions. The name has also been traced to England, with concentrations in the counties of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Suffolk. In North America, the Benge surname is most prevalent in the United States, especially in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky, where many German immigrants settled. A notable Benge ancestry can also be found in Canada, primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. While the distribution of the name Benge is widely dispersed across Europe and North America, it is less common in other parts of the world.
Variants and spellings of the last name Benge
The surname Benge can be found with various spelling variations due to factors such as regional dialects, handwriting, and the passage of time. Some common variations include Beng, Binge, Benagh, and Bengi. In some cases, a double 'n' or a single 'g' may appear in these variants (Bengg, Benng). Additionally, hyphenated versions like Ben-Ge or Ben-Gee exist. These spelling variations emphasize the name's versatility throughout history and across different regions.
Famous people with the last name Benge
The Benge family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Sir Benjamin d'Israeli Benge, an English civil servant and diplomat who served as Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 1920 to 1930. He was instrumental in establishing the League of Nations and played a significant role in British foreign policy during the interwar period. In the realm of sports, Eric Benge is a former professional footballer who spent most of his career playing as a striker for clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, and Swindon Town. In music, Benge is also the stage name of British musician Ben Edwards, known for his work in electronica, funk, and disco, collaborating with artists like Funkstorung, Throbbing Gristle, and RocketNumberNine. Lastly, David Benge is a renowned British literary scholar, specializing in Shakespearean studies and the history of the English language.
Genealogical research on the last name Benge
The Benge surname is believed to have originated from England and Scotland. The name is thought to be a variant of "Bainge," which was a nickname for a lively or boisterous person, derived from the Old English word "bange" meaning 'loud.'
The earliest record of the Benge family in England can be traced back to the 13th century. The family resided primarily in Norfolk and Northumberland. Some members of the family migrated to America during the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant populations settling in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
In the United States, the Benge family played prominent roles in various historical events. For instance, John Benge served as a delegate from South Carolina to the Continental Congress in 1783. Another notable figure was General Francis Bengeon, who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
The Benge name is also associated with the Cherokee Nation, particularly through the prominent Benge family of the Southeastern United States. This branch of the family is thought to have been adopted by the Cherokee tribe. The most notable member was Elias Boudinot, a Cherokee leader who served as principal chief from 1827 to 1839 and played a significant role in the negotiations leading up to the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
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