Benno

Benno is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, used primarily in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but also found in other parts of Europe and in diaspora communities. The spelling Benno is common in historical and modern records and has appeared in various cultural contexts.

Etymology and usage: The exact origin of the name is uncertain. Benno is typically treated as a standalone given name in German, and it is sometimes described as a diminutive or affectionate form of longer names such as Benedict or Bernhard. The name has medieval usage and later became established in popular naming.

Notable people: Saint Benno of Meissen is an 11th-century bishop who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is associated with Meissen in Saxony. Benno Ohnesorg was a German student whose death in 1967 during a demonstration in Berlin helped galvanize the German student movement. Benno Besson was a German theatre director and influential figure in 20th-century German theatre.

In culture and media: The given name Benno has been used for fictional characters in literature, film, and television, particularly in German-language works. It remains a recognizable name in German-speaking regions and continues to be used by contemporary families.