View Message

[Facts] "Jewish" names
In the case of all other names on the board, the language of the name is given rather than the religion. Jewish names are in fact either Hebrew or in older names, Yiddish. I think it would be more appropriate to have this reflected on the board.
vote up1vote down

Replies

The label "Jewish" is used as a cultural label, not a religious one, to cover names that are commonly used by Jews. The names themselves may be of Hebrew, Yiddish or other origin.
vote up1vote down
Thanks for the reply and I appreciate the reasoning, but from an etymology standpoint, I think it's more appropriate to give the language the name comes from whether Aramaic, Assyrian, Spanish, French, Yiddish, etc. rather than culturally or as has been done on this fine site...two sources of the name.For example, old testament names were very, very common in the early 1600s and 1700s in the United States, however they weren't Jewish names. Just like today, it's much more likely someone Christian would be named Christopher. More important, certain names which are Hebrew are modern Israeli variations on Hebrew and only common to Israel not to Jews elsewhere so my preference would always be language first with a cultural reference if neccesary following. Thanks for considering the input.
vote up1vote down
The language of origin is also given, in the definition of the name. The names in the Jewish section are noted as coming from Hebrew, Yiddish, Aramaic, etc. For example, for Aviv it says it means "spring" in Hebrew.The usage (which appears to the right of the name) is a different animal. It is a list of cultures and areas where the name is actually used. When it lists Jewish it means the name is used by Jews, when it lists Spanish it means the name is used in Spain or Spanish-speaking areas of the Americas, etc.In short, I won't add languages of origin to the list of usages because that's not what the list of usages is for.Thanks,
Mike
vote up1vote down
I'm sure I can find dozens of examples on the site, but for example,
JACOB on the board is given as English, Spanish, etc. with the biblical association....however YAKOV which is simply Jacob in Hebrew is listed as "Jewish." I don't really see how this follows the pattern of other names.
vote up1vote down
It is your board sir and it's very impressive, so of course it's your decision to make. But I have to say it's unfortunate that Polish Christians have Polish names here, Indian Hindus have Indian names here, Saudi Moslems have Arabic names, yet Hebrew or Yiddish or other names by Jews living in all the countries of the world are called Jewish.
vote up1vote down
In a way it is true, but the problem is that Jewish names can be Hebrew, Yiddish, but also Judeo Spanish, Slavic, Turkish, Khazar, Roman, Greek... So I have no real opinion on the subject...Claire
vote up1vote down
What is Khazar?
vote up1vote down
*jaw drops to the ground*Wow! That much information on the Khazars! Who would have thought?Btw, that is the first that I hear of the Khazars being Jewish. I guess I never thought about what religion they were.
vote up1vote down