Surname Bench - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bench: What does the surname Bench mean?
The last name Bench most likely originated from England. The exact meaning of Bench is unclear, but it is generally accepted to be an occupational surname referencing someone who worked at or around a bench, like a carpenter or judge. Another theory suggests it could be a topographic name for someone who lived near a distinctive bench or seat, or possibly a shortened form of a location-based surname like "Benchley," meaning "woodland clearing with a bench." However, another theory suggests its origins are from the old English term 'benc', meaning plank bridge. Like many surnames, its origins are debated and can vary regionally. It's important to consider the cultural and historical context of a surname to understand its unique origins and evolution over time. The most famous person with this surname is probably the American baseball player Johnny Bench.
Order DNA origin analysisBench: Where does the name Bench come from?
The surname Bench is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English term "benc", which signifies a type of bench or seat. This indicates that the original bearers of the name Bench may have been craftsmen who made benches or perhaps officials who regularly sat on a bench, such as judges.
The name seems to have first emerged in the medieval records of Worcestershire in the West Midlands region of England. An early instance of the name is that of Richard del Benche recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1275.
Today, the Bench surname is widely dispersed and can be found in various countries including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. However, according to Forebears, a genealogical data website, in terms of concentration, the Bench surname appears to be most common in England, especially in the regions of Staffordshire and Shropshire. It is also found in relatively higher frequency in Wales. Notable people with the Bench surname include American former professional baseball catcher, Johnny Bench.
Variations of the surname Bench
The surname "Bench" is of English origin, primarily found in areas such as Lancashire. Variants of the surname Bench may include Benchley, Benchey, Benche, Bencho, Benchi, and Bencha. It is also possible to find it as Bencher in some regions.
Another way this surname could be spelled includes phonetic variations like Bensh or Banch depending on the area they are based. Sometimes, in the process of Anglicization, it has also been changed to forms such as Benchman or even Benchfield.
Similar sounding surnames or those derived from old forms may include names such as Bence, Beng, Benke, or Benge. They may not be direct variants of Bench but could possibly have the same or similar roots.
Sometimes, it is also common to find the surname Bench with prefixes such as "Le", resulting in "Le Bench" or "La Bench", specifically in regions with French influence.
Name transformations can also happen due to emigration, where surnames are altered due to regional influences or transcription errors. So it’s always possible to discover other unknown variants. It's important to understand genealogical research for better tracking of surname origins and variants.
Famous people with the name Bench
- Johnny Bench: Most famously known, Johnny Bench is a retired American professional baseball catcher who played in the Major Leagues for the Cincinnati Reds. He's a Hall of Famer and is often considered one of the greatest catchers in baseball history.
- Nicky Bench: A British Ice Hockey player, known for his time in the British National League.
- Charlie Bench: Another sports-related figure, Charlie Bench was a British footballer who had a lengthy career playing for Bury F.C.
- Bill Bench: He played football at the University of Tulsa, US and later played professionally in the American Football League, and the National Football League in the 1960s.
- Richard "Dick" Bench: Known for his long career as a Senior U.S. District Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
- William Arthur "Bill" Bench: He was an American professional baseball player.
- Carl Bench: An American blues artist. Please note that not all of these individuals may be widely recognized as "famous," but they have achieved prominence in their respective fields.