Bennett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Bennett

What does the name Bennett mean?

The Bennett surname is derived from the Latin given name Benedictus, which means “blessed.” It became a common given name throughout Europe due to the popularity of St. Benedict (c.480-550). By the 12th century, the name was found in versions derived directly from the Latin, as well as versions derived from Norman French. 1 “In the reigns of Edwards II. and III. the name is found thus modified: Fitz Benedict, Benediscite, Bendiste, Bendish, Bennett.” 1

Early Origins of the Bennett family

The surname Bennett was first found in north Lancashire where a Benedictine monastery known as Furness Abbey was by founded by the Savigny monks of Normandy in 1127. Records from the 12th century show Benet as a common Baptismal name in the region, which then became a patronymic surname (Eg. Benet son of Alan). 2

There were other Benedictine monasteries in England, which also produced early instances of this surname. Magister Benet or Benedictus (d. 1226), Bishop of Rochester, “first emerges into history in connection with the struggle between William de Longchamp, Bishop of Ely, Chancellor and Chief Justice, and Regent of the Kingdom during the absence of Richard I in the Holy Land, and the Earl of Moreton, afterwards King John.” 3

Willaston in Cheshire was home the family at early times. “Willaston Hall, an ancient brick building, was erected by the Bennett family in 1558, and continued to be their residence until a very late period.” 4

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list many early spellings of the name throughout ancient England: Benedict, or Benett de Hankeston in Cambridgeshire; Beneyt Mercator in Cambridgeshire; Nicholas Beneit in Oxfordshire; and finally, Reginald filius Beneyt in Huntingdonshire. 2 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed only one: Joanna Benet, doghter (daughter.)

Another source gives a better geographical understanding of the name: “Differently derived from the early personal name of Benedict and from ‘benet,’ a minor order of priests. In the Hundredorum Rolls for Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire, in the reign of Edward I, it occurs frequently in the form of Beneyt. At present it is rare or absent north of Lincolnshire and Lancashire, but is well dispersed over the rest of England, being best represented in Cornwall, Derbyshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Notts, etc. It is singular that Bennetts is for the most part confined to Cornwall, the combination of the two varieties of the name placing this county at the head of the list.” 5 This latter source was published in 1890 so the reader needs to bear that in mind that the regional distribution was at that time and has likely changed in today’s era.

Bennett Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Bennett include Bennett, Bennet, Benett, Benet and others.