Benno

Lore & Background

The name Benno has deep roots in ecclesiastical history. Several medieval bishops bore the name, including Benno (bishop of Metz) (927–940), a saint; Benno I of Osnabrück (bishop, 1052–1067); and Benno of Meissen (bishop, 1066–1106), also a saint. The name appears in the 11th century with Benno (bishop of Como) (1049–1061) and Benno II of Osnabrück (bishop, 1068–1088). A cardinal, Benno of Santi Martino e Silvestro (fl. 1082–1098), is recorded.

Later bishops include Benno (bishop of Cesena) (1123–1141), Benno (bishop of Imola) (1126–1139), and Benno (bishop of Rimini) (1230–1242). In modern times, the name is associated with a wide range of professions: Benno von Achenbach (1861–1936) was a German horse driving pioneer; Benno Adam (1812–1892) was a German painter; Benno Elkan (1877–1960) was a German-born British sculptor; and Benno Moiseiwitsch (1890–1963) was a Russian-born British pianist.

Reader's Guide

The source provides a list of individuals named Benno, organized into categories: mononym (bishops and a cardinal), first name, and surname. For each person, the source gives their lifespan (or floruit date) and a brief descriptor of their occupation or notable role. For example, Benno von Arent (1898–1956) is described as a German film director; Benno Besson (1922–2006) as a Swiss actor and director; Benno Gut (1897–1970) as a Benedictine monk and cardinal; and Benno Landsberger (1890–1968) as a German Assyriologist.