I do not like my first name, and haven’t for so long as I can remember. I have been using a nickname for a few years, and it works well for now. However, I don’t know whether it will age well, and I don’t like constantly explaining in job interviews and other sorts of paperwork-y situations that “My name is ____ but I go by ____.” I’d rather just change my legal name to something I would actually use.
So, I discovered a Hebrew variant of my name that I like much better. It has the same meaning as my name, which I like, plus it lacks the phonetic, cultural, and personal issues I have with my name. It’s similar enough that it wouldn’t be a big adjustment for other people if I adopted this name, but it’s also different enough that I feel I would be comfortable with it.
[name]One[/name] friend has suggested to me that it would be wrong to take on this name because I’m not Jewish, and Jewish people may take offense. Another has suggested that it’s not a problem, because my reasons for taking the name aren’t about exoticising a culture different from my own. Are there any Jewish folks around who could lend me insight? I don’t want to be culturally insensitive, I just can’t tell whether this would be.
I was raised Jewish, but in a very liberal synagogue. I wouldn’t mind if you took a Hebrew name. There’s a good chance it’s the original version of your name, anyway so I don’t see any issues with it.
I believe there’s at least one Conservative (or maybe Orthodox) Jew on this board. I can’t for the life of me remember her username! She would probably be the best person to ask.
I think it depends on the name. I am not Jewish, but my husband was raised Jewish & my in-laws are religious. If your name is [name]Chloe[/name] & you think [name]Cohen[/name] would be a more distinct choice or if you’re [name]Tara[/name] and you think Torah has a nicer sound, it could offend some! Those are bold examples. Some names I do think of as overtly “Jewish” so people might make assumptions. Like if you’re [name]LeAnn[/name] and you want to become Leott. Not necessarily a bad or offensive thing, but it might give some people pause. I think if a Jewish person met a girl named Leott they would just assume that you grew up with the same religious/cultural experience as them. Knowing the name would help you get a better feel for people’s reactions. You could always seek feedback from an actual rabbi if it concerns you. Friends might sugar coat the truth or they just might not be very Jewish Jewish people! You might as well ask someone with no personal connection to you.
I have a super Jewish name. I’ve had people (usually) professors ask if it was Jewish. Nobody’s asked me if I’m Jewish. Which, technically I’m not. My dad is, but I do not practice and I never had my bat mitzvah.
Taz made some good points. [name]Do[/name] some googling and see if the name you like is considered holy or special. If it’s something like [name]Naomi[/name] then that’s fine. It’s a widely used Biblical figure.
I really adore the name [name]Seth[/name], but I have only ever heard it used on Jewish boys. I’m not Jewish, neither is my husband, so I never even mention it for the exact reasons you said. I wouldn’t want to offend anyone and also it’s quite stereotypical where I am from for people to just assume that “[name]Seth[/name]” would be Jewish. I know a girl named Leat, actually, and I would assume anyone with the name would be Jewish as well. I think its more about if you’re okay with people assuming you are Jewish without asking, then go for it but yes, Taz is right, it could make people pause.
It’s hard to know without actually knowing the name you are talking about. If you don’t want to share the name maybe research the it’s history, that should help you understand if it would be offensive.
This is a good idea. I have only one friend of a Jewish background whom I really talk to, and he doesn’t take his upbringing very seriously. He calls me by the name in question affectionately sometimes, and probably couldn’t refer me to other people to ask, because we don’t live on the same continent!
I think I will look for a local Jewish cultural center or something along those lines to find direction.
I’ve never thought of [name]Seth[/name] as just a Jewish name. There are plenty of Hebrew/Biblical origin names that all people, whether or not they’re Jewish or [name]Christian[/name] use. I think it’s totally fine.