Benno as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Benno

What is the meaning of the name Benno ?

The baby name Benno is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced BEN-oh (English: /ˈbɛn.oʊ/; German: /ˈbɛno/).

Benno is Germanic in Origin.

Benno is a German masculine given name derived from Old High German bern, “bear,” formed as a short or pet form of compound names beginning with Bern-, especially Bernhard/Bernard (“bear” + “hardy/brave”). The -o ending is a traditional Germanic hypocoristic suffix. While it sometimes serves colloquially as a nickname for Benedikt in German, its etymology remains tied to the “bear” root, evoking strength and steadfastness.

The name is well attested in medieval Germany, most notably through Saint Benno of Meissen (c.1010–1106), a bishop later venerated as the patron saint of Munich, whose cult helped sustain regional usage. Benno saw a modest revival during 19th‑century name renewals in German-speaking Europe and today remains familiar yet uncommon in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Variants and related forms include Beno (Slovene/Croatian), Berno, and the cognates Bernard/Bernhard; diminutives in German may appear as Benni or Benny.