Benedict

Benedict is a boy name with Latin roots meaning "blessed".

This name comes from the Latin name Benedictus, which meant "blessed", a derivative of benedico "to speak well of, to commend". Saint Benedict was an Italian monk who founded the Benedictines in the 6th century. After his time the name was common among Christians, being used by 16 popes. In England it did not come into use until the 12th century, at which point it became very popular. This name was also borne by the American general Benedict Arnold (1741-1801), who defected to Britain during the American Revolution.

Usage: english