I’ve really liked the name [name_m]Benson[/name_m] for a while but I can also see how people could think it’s stupid. I didn’t find it as a substitute for [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m] though I do like the nn [name_m]Ben[/name_m] and don’t like [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m] all that much. I think it’s cute and can see a little blond boy running around and causing trouble. What do y’all think?
I don’t think it’s stupid. It’s not my style but I don’t think it’s any worse than [name_m]Jackson[/name_m], [name_m]Harrison[/name_m] or [name_u]Hudson[/name_u], for example. I think the name would fit well no matter what age he is. And [name_m]Ben[/name_m] is a solid name even on it’s own in case he wants to go by that when he grows up.
It immediately made me think “bench”
I’m not a fan of the -son trend, it just sounds like Swedish surnames to me, it’s kind of silly
If you like [name_m]Ben[/name_m] just call him [name_m]Ben[/name_m]! Or [name_m]Bennett[/name_m], [name_u]Robin[/name_u], [name_m]Reuben[/name_m], [name_m]Benedict[/name_m] or [name_u]Bentley[/name_u]
[name_m]Benson[/name_m] is the last name of the president of the University I attended. He’s a great guy and a good president so I have nothing but positive associations with the name. I don’t think it’s stupid or silly and it’s just as usable as [name_m]Harrison[/name_m], [name_m]Anderson[/name_m], [name_m]Jackson[/name_m], etc as a pp said. It would be very on trend with the other surnames as first names, but one you are less likely to hear.
I can definitely see [name_m]Benson[/name_m] fitting in with many of the popular names today. I personally adore [name_m]Bennett[/name_m]. I would not use a nickname with either.
I think [name_m]Benson[/name_m] is a fine name but I also really like the other names suggested ([name_m]Bennett[/name_m], [name_m]Benedict[/name_m], and [name_u]Robin[/name_u] especially) to get the nickname! 
[name_m]Benson[/name_m] would be unique and cute!
[name_m]Benson[/name_m] is great!
I think [name_m]Benson[/name_m] works great!
It’s not my taste, but I don’t think it’s stupid at all. Like PP said, no different than [name_m]Jackson[/name_m], [name_u]Mason[/name_u], [name_u]Hudson[/name_u]. My personal favourite [name_m]Ben[/name_m] name is [name_m]Bennett[/name_m].
I’m probably totally off but i love [name_m]Benji[/name_m] ([name_m]Benjie[/name_m]?) As a nickname. I also know a ben who’s legal name is [name_m]Ben[/name_m], not [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m], and he is bitter about it. He feels incomplete
I like [name_m]Benson[/name_m]! I don’t think it’s stupid at all.
I also love the nickname [name_m]Ben[/name_m] and there is already a [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m] in my husbands (extended) family, so he’s vetoed [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m]. I love [name_m]Bennett[/name_m] even more than [name_m]Benson[/name_m] though, because our last name ends in -son and it sounds too redundant.
What everyone else said! It’s not stupid.