In 1881, when Benoni was established, the surveyor-general named the new town Ben-Oni, a Hebrew word from Genesis, the first book of the Bible, meaning 'son of sorrow'. Six years later, the discovery of gold caused the town to develop rapidly. Sir George Farrar, chairman of the mining company, made it his mission to enhance the appearance of the town. Trees were planted, mine water was channeled into the marshlands and the reservoirs were filled with trout. This effort is thoroughly appreciated by the present inhabitants and Benoni, with its five lakes, is one of the loveliest cities in the area. Benoni also lies next to Blesbokspruit, a proclaimed wetland area. Benoni is also the hometown of the Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron. Daveyton, Etwatwa and Wattville are the three townships attached to Benoni.
