benn

Benn is a surname and a given name used in English-speaking countries. As a surname, Benn often derives from given-name origins such as Bennett or Benjamin, or it may have originated as a distinct medieval surname in its own right. As a given name, Benn can be used independently or as a shortened form of Benjamin or Bennett.

In usage, Benn appears across a range of professions and regions, though it is more commonly found as a surname. It is associated with families in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, as well as in the Americas, reflecting broader patterns of English-language naming.

Notable people with the surname Benn include Tony Benn (1925–2014), a prominent British Labour politician who served in government and for many years as a member of Parliament. Other individuals with the name have contributed to fields such as politics, science, sports, and the arts, though they may be less widely recognized internationally.

Variants and related names include Ben, Bennett, and Benjamin, which share common roots and often overlap in usage. The form Benn can function both as a standalone surname and as a shorthand or nickname in certain family lineages.