本（ben）
Name meaning
本 (ben) means root, origin and foundation. In a name it should feel grounded, principled and close to first causes.
Practical naming use
Use 本 (ben) when the name should feel grounded, original and reliable. It suits scholarship, law, education, craft, engineering, public service, family values or founders who want a simple name about roots rather than display. The character is strongest when the second character adds warmth, clarity or moral direction, because 本 (ben) alone can feel abstract.
Pair 本 (ben) with 明 (ming) for clear foundations, 文 (wen) for rooted learning, 安 (an) for settled roots, 雅 (ya) for simple refinement, or 德 (de) for moral foundation.
本明 (Benming): Ben contributes root, origin; Ming adds brightness, clarity.
Historical / name-use references
张本 (Zhang Ben)
Zhang Ben (1367-1431) was a Ming dynasty official who served in senior posts under the Yongle and Xuande emperors. His name gives 本 (ben) a sober official-history anchor.