Benson

Benson is a surname and given name of English origin. It arises as a patronymic meaning “son of Ben,” with Ben short for Benjamin or Benedict. As a given name, it has been used in various cultures and languages, though it remains more common as a surname.

Geography: There are several places named Benson. In England, Benson is a village and civil parish in Oxfordshire, located near Oxford. In the United States, towns named Benson exist in Arizona (Cochise County); North Carolina (Johnston County); Minnesota (Swift County); and Vermont (Rutland County).

Notable people with the surname include George Benson (born 1943), an American guitarist and singer known for his contributions to jazz and pop music. The surname Benson appears across many fields, including the arts, sports, and public life.

In popular culture, Benson is the title character of the American television sitcom Benson (1979–1986). The series centers on Benson DuBois, a sharp-witted African American butler portrayed by Robert Guillaume, who later serves as a trusted aide in a state governor’s mansion. The show is noted for blending comedy with social and political themes of its era.