See the results of this poll: Which do you prefer?
Respondents: 48 (This poll is closed)
- Benjamin : 29 (60%)
- Benedict: 19 (40%)
Yikes. [name]Benjamin[/name] is incredibly meaningful to me and I absolutely love the name, so I couldn’t bring myself to choose [name]Benedict[/name] over [name]Benjamin[/name]. I really like [name]Benedict[/name] too though (also a Cumberbatch fan).
Thanks for your thoughts!
I adore [name]Benedict[/name]. I see it as a fresher way to get to [name]Ben[/name]/[name]Benny[/name]. And the name is versatile, with plenty of associations beyond the traitor.
I choose [name]Bennett[/name]! I know that wasn’t one of your options, but I think it’s such a great name (see signature!). But if I’m choosing between [name]Benjamin[/name] and [name]Benedict[/name], I think [name]Benjamin[/name] is a more classic name.
I would love to meet a little [name]Bennett[/name]! 
I think it’s adorable for someone else’s child.
When I see [name]Benedict[/name], I immediately think ‘[name]Arnold[/name]’, so that’s a no for me. I voted [name]Benjamin[/name] (I prefer nn [name]Benji[/name] to just [name]Ben[/name] anyway, and you can’t get [name]Benji[/name] from [name]Benedict[/name]!).
I like both
[name]Benjamin[/name] has been my favorite boys name since childhood, but I agree that [name]Benedict[/name] is a really snazzy alternative.
And I already know a [name]Jamie[/name] so [name]Benedict[/name] is slowly creeping in.
[name]Benedict[/name] because:
a) It’s more interesting - I know a stack of [name]Benjamin[/name] nn Bens.
b) As you mentioned, [name]Benedict[/name] Cumberbatch
[name]Love[/name] [name]Benedict[/name] - so fabulous and with great nn potential for when he is little.
[name]Benjamin[/name]. [name]Benedict[/name] just sounds egg-like to me 
Thanks for all the feedback so far! Wow, the poll is quite close. Sometimes it’s [name]Benjamin[/name], other times [name]Benedict[/name], and even a tie!
I think you have to be a serious Catholic to use [name]Benedict[/name]. Actually, I know one who is 2 or 3 yrs old now. The pope association is the only thing that can overcome [name]Benedict[/name] [name]Arnold[/name] association, and only in certain circles…but I think it has great meaning and its a shame that B. [name]Arnold[/name] put it out of favor for so long.
But I did vote for [name]Benjamin[/name], only because I would be more likely to use it myself and it seems easier to wear for a middle school boy.
It’s fine outside of the US, Catholic or otherwise. I don’t even have any clue as to what [name]Benedict[/name] [name]Arnold[/name] actually did. O_o
Surprised to see [name]Benjamin[/name] in the lead. I much prefer [name]Benedict[/name] (although I am not religious) - seems much fresher and under-utilised.
I agree with sarahmezz that [name]Bennett[/name] is even better. Strong associations with [name]Jane[/name] [name]Austen[/name] (even though she used a different spelling for the [name]Bennet[/name] family) which is a big positive for me.
Agreed. I have no idea who these people are, I just like the name. I come from a largely secular country and I don’t think many people would care that the name has religious associations in some places.
Same. I’m seeing his name everywhere recently- I think he was a traitor or something? Perhaps the English equivalent would be calling your son [name]Guy[/name] 
I like both names, but I love [name]Benjamin[/name]. I think it’s a little softer and I can see it on a boy of all ages. I can only really imagine [name]Benedict[/name] as a man.
I vastly prefer [name]Benjamin[/name], which is a great name. Unlike you, I would avoid [name]Benedict[/name] due to it’s link to the Catholic church.
I know it’s juvenile, but when I hear [name]Benedict[/name] all I really hear is “been a dick”.
I don’t even think the connection is that strong. We don’t have [name]Benedict[/name] [name]Arnold[/name] [name]Day[/name] 
It’s not like [name]Benedict[/name] [name]Arnold[/name] is constantly brought back to the forefront of American consciousness. It’s just a bit idiomatic. Kids learn about [name]Arnold[/name] in school, and the only thing he is known for is being a traitor. Since his name is uncommon the association is stronger.
It’s like naming your child [name]Wilkes[/name] because of [name]John[/name] [name]Wilkes[/name] [name]Booth[/name]. People know the name, it’s probably not the first and only thing everyone would think of, but there is a connection.
Honestly, I think the eggs benedict connection would put me off more, as much as I love the name and the meaning.