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Help[Opinions] Is it strange to use Jewish names when you're not Jewish?
My friend and her husband are both Irish, German, and English, and he has some Swedish on his side. But they both like names such as David, Saul, Isaiah, Elijah, Nathaniel, etc. She's worried that if she chose any combination of those names for her twins she's expecting, it would look weird. Would it be weird for someone with no Jewish herritage to use all Jewish names? Is it noticeable?
And also, what's your favorite or those 5? Thank you! :]
(She read somewhere that Nathaniel had some Jewish links, even though the site says its English/Biblical)
Edit: And I think she might have some Italian heritage because she's slightly dark complected.
And also, what's your favorite or those 5? Thank you! :]
(She read somewhere that Nathaniel had some Jewish links, even though the site says its English/Biblical)
Edit: And I think she might have some Italian heritage because she's slightly dark complected.
This message was edited 1/18/2007, 10:41 PM
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Replies
You seem to have a lot of friends who need help naming their children. Why don't you give the address to this website and let them figure it out for themselves?
Of the names you mentioned, nathaniel David and Saul are in the Bible, I never even think of them as Jewish. The other two are becoming increasingly popular and can be used by anyone.
Of the names you mentioned, nathaniel David and Saul are in the Bible, I never even think of them as Jewish. The other two are becoming increasingly popular and can be used by anyone.
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Something I need to say
I don't understand why this question gets asked repeatedly. Nothing personal, Mum, I don't know you. But this is a question that has been asked by a good number of posters and it rankles me every single time. No other religion gets singled out this way. What's the deal?
Please pardon me while I cut and paste my last rant here. Again, no offense intended but I'm mystified why this is ever an issue and would appreciate a solid, logical answer from anyone who can provide one.
http://www.behindthename.com/bb/arcview.php?id=762149&board=baby
I don't understand why this question gets asked repeatedly. Nothing personal, Mum, I don't know you. But this is a question that has been asked by a good number of posters and it rankles me every single time. No other religion gets singled out this way. What's the deal?
Please pardon me while I cut and paste my last rant here. Again, no offense intended but I'm mystified why this is ever an issue and would appreciate a solid, logical answer from anyone who can provide one.
http://www.behindthename.com/bb/arcview.php?id=762149&board=baby
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I never said it was a stupid question, I want to know *what it is* you're trying to "make sure" of
That is my entire point. I never, ever said you asked a stupid question. I want to know why it gets asked. WTF difference does it make? That is mystifying to me. Who says Jerome and Keisha are black names? I know white folk with each of those names. I know black folk named Edward and Elizabeth (and Shoshannah too, while we're at it). I highly doubt anyone has ever told any of them that their names weren't culturally appropriate, or some similar rational-sounding crap. I am trying to understand why the question of "too much" or "not enough" Jewishness comes up at all, much less over and over. What is the aim of attempting to single out the utterly stereotypically Jewish names - is it trying to choose the best ones for the Jewish kids, or trying to avoid them all on all kids not Jewish? Why can't a Jewish girl be named Khadija? Why can't an Italian girl be named Chava? Who makes these rules, and why do we continue to care?
That is what I would like explained.
That is my entire point. I never, ever said you asked a stupid question. I want to know why it gets asked. WTF difference does it make? That is mystifying to me. Who says Jerome and Keisha are black names? I know white folk with each of those names. I know black folk named Edward and Elizabeth (and Shoshannah too, while we're at it). I highly doubt anyone has ever told any of them that their names weren't culturally appropriate, or some similar rational-sounding crap. I am trying to understand why the question of "too much" or "not enough" Jewishness comes up at all, much less over and over. What is the aim of attempting to single out the utterly stereotypically Jewish names - is it trying to choose the best ones for the Jewish kids, or trying to avoid them all on all kids not Jewish? Why can't a Jewish girl be named Khadija? Why can't an Italian girl be named Chava? Who makes these rules, and why do we continue to care?
That is what I would like explained.
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It's the "I just wanted to make sure" that's the problem - Why does it *matter*?
And just because a lot of people ask the same question doesn't legitimize it. That's like if a lot of people ask if they can go to the bathroom on my front lawn, should I ever concede to it. Because, you know, if a lot of people are asking then there's got to be something to it. No, no there doesn't. It's still a stupid question (or in this case, it's still a question that belies a negative opinion.)
And just because a lot of people ask the same question doesn't legitimize it. That's like if a lot of people ask if they can go to the bathroom on my front lawn, should I ever concede to it. Because, you know, if a lot of people are asking then there's got to be something to it. No, no there doesn't. It's still a stupid question (or in this case, it's still a question that belies a negative opinion.)
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I don't think there would be stereotyping regarding Biblical names. But there probably would be if you chose a modern Hebrew name of the kind used first in Israel.
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no it's not weird
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Of the names you mentioned, Saul is the only one that I've noticed seems to be used more often by people of Jewish background than by people who are not Jewish.
But really, I think it makes not one bit of difference what a person's background is, when it comes to naming.
I do think it's nice when a name reflects background, though. For example, my son Garrett's name is derived from Gerrit, the name of one of our Dutch ancestors. And I like the fact that his name has that history in our family, and is connected to the Dutch heritage we have.
But if I named him Vladimir, for example, that would be OK too. We have absolutely no East European or Russian heritage (that I know of), but what's the diff?
Names of various origins are traded around among ethnic groups all the time. To me, that's part of the fun, if you will, of naming.
But really, I think it makes not one bit of difference what a person's background is, when it comes to naming.
I do think it's nice when a name reflects background, though. For example, my son Garrett's name is derived from Gerrit, the name of one of our Dutch ancestors. And I like the fact that his name has that history in our family, and is connected to the Dutch heritage we have.
But if I named him Vladimir, for example, that would be OK too. We have absolutely no East European or Russian heritage (that I know of), but what's the diff?
Names of various origins are traded around among ethnic groups all the time. To me, that's part of the fun, if you will, of naming.
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Question
Is it strange to use German names when you arent German (or Italian, or French, or *insert favorite ethnic group of names here*).
Seriously, I really dont think it matters too much. I understand the concern, because I love Hawaiian names (and have never even been to Hawaii much like have any background). But my main concern wasnt Hawaiian names on a European hertiage girl. It was the pn and spelling issues that may be faced in America, or the sound/flow with the surname of the child.
Does that make sense?
Is it strange to use German names when you arent German (or Italian, or French, or *insert favorite ethnic group of names here*).
Seriously, I really dont think it matters too much. I understand the concern, because I love Hawaiian names (and have never even been to Hawaii much like have any background). But my main concern wasnt Hawaiian names on a European hertiage girl. It was the pn and spelling issues that may be faced in America, or the sound/flow with the surname of the child.
Does that make sense?
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No. I don't think it's strange.
We live in the 'melting pot' remember... so MANY MANY people are walking around with mixed-heritage names. It happened to me just by getting married! Our last name is about as Jewish as Jewish can be... yet we're both predominantely of Irish heritage (toss in a grandfather who was jewish whose name carried down) and we were raised catholic. We decided to give our children 'hebrew' or 'biblical' names so the names would flow nicely... but really, it doesn't matter, as long as it's a nice sounding name, and flows well with the last name, you can name your child whatever makes you feel comfortable.
I know MANY people who have spanish last names with irish first names ie: Ryan Hernandez... and I also know people with italian/spanish first names and irish last names "Isabella McGann"
So... I think in a world like ours...anything goes!
Good luck!
We live in the 'melting pot' remember... so MANY MANY people are walking around with mixed-heritage names. It happened to me just by getting married! Our last name is about as Jewish as Jewish can be... yet we're both predominantely of Irish heritage (toss in a grandfather who was jewish whose name carried down) and we were raised catholic. We decided to give our children 'hebrew' or 'biblical' names so the names would flow nicely... but really, it doesn't matter, as long as it's a nice sounding name, and flows well with the last name, you can name your child whatever makes you feel comfortable.
I know MANY people who have spanish last names with irish first names ie: Ryan Hernandez... and I also know people with italian/spanish first names and irish last names "Isabella McGann"
So... I think in a world like ours...anything goes!
Good luck!
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I think your friend is crazy.
First: David, Isaiah, Elijah, and Nathaniel are more biblical than Jewish.
Second: Plenty of non-Christians use Christian names, plenty of people who haven't an ounce of Irish use Irish names.
Third: You seemed obsessed with a person's bacground - Italian heritage because she's slightly dark complected? My sister is 2/3 Swedish, 1/3 English, and could easily pass for Hispanic. But she most definatly isn't.
I hope to name my children Ezra, Liora, Miriam, Raphael, Jonas, and love other very Hebrew, Yiddish, and Judeo-Spanish names.
First: David, Isaiah, Elijah, and Nathaniel are more biblical than Jewish.
Second: Plenty of non-Christians use Christian names, plenty of people who haven't an ounce of Irish use Irish names.
Third: You seemed obsessed with a person's bacground - Italian heritage because she's slightly dark complected? My sister is 2/3 Swedish, 1/3 English, and could easily pass for Hispanic. But she most definatly isn't.
I hope to name my children Ezra, Liora, Miriam, Raphael, Jonas, and love other very Hebrew, Yiddish, and Judeo-Spanish names.
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Agreed (on all notes)
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Biblical names are not solely Jewish, IMO, because the bible is sacred to both Christians and Jews. The names you listed are actually very popular among Gentiles. To me, "Jewish" names are untranslated Hebrew names and uncommon Yiddish names, like Zalman and Zelda.
The names listed in order, from my most favored to least:
Elijah
Isaiah
Nathaniel
David
Saul
The names listed in order, from my most favored to least:
Elijah
Isaiah
Nathaniel
David
Saul
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No it is not strange at all. Names come from all different orgins. There are so many names I love but Im not from all those orgins. No the important thing is that you love the name and the meaning. So in my opinion it would be just fine for your friend to use those names.
I like all the names. But Isaiah and Elijah the most :)
I like all the names. But Isaiah and Elijah the most :)
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