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But the dynamics aren't the same. There's a huge difference between a minority culture picking up a name used by the dominant group, and a dominant group co-opting a name used by an oft-repressed minority.

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The concept of Cohen is deeply significant to a lot of Jewish people, and I think many would be uncomfortable with members of another ethno-religious group using it. If they're doing it in ignorance it highlights how little they care about others' traditions; and if they're doing it deliberately it's an insult to the importance placed on the Cohen tradition.

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Also, I wouldn't call my son Cohen any more than I'd call him Priest, King, Earl, Duke, etc. It's presumptuous, claiming an honour that is not his.

I am a Christian(the religion), and I have met non-Christians who used the name Christian for their son. I found it a little ironic, but not offensive. Christian is a popular enough name that people could get away with it. Jesus isn't as popular. I've met people named Jesus, but they were all Christians (the religion). I don't find it especially offensive, but more so than Christian (the name) if you aren't a Christian (the religion).

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I hope that isn't too confusing.

I feel like only the most uptight of Jewish people would have a problem with non-Jewish people using the name Cohen.

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Very rude of you. Your "feel like" is based on basically nothing.

This message was edited 11/1/2013, 12:00 PM