It’s nice to see all of the different opinions. I’m glad that the ones I’m considering strongly are fairly well liked. The more I think about them, the more I love them. Especially [name_f]Thessaly[/name_f] and [name_m]Theseus[/name_m]. Swooning hard. I was just kind of a little taken aback when nameberry said [name_m]Theseus[/name_m] would be pretentious on an American baby because I think it would be badass.
And dantae, my best friend is a Priestess, so I understand where you’re coming from. Though I’m not clear on her when it comes to using the gods names. She’s the one who suggested [name_m]Zeus[/name_m] to me initially, she says it is how she pictures any son I would have, which I take as a compliment, though I’m not sure if she means it in a “he’ll be damn awesome” way or in a “he’ll be very popular with the ladies” way…but it’s entirely too heavy for me to use anyway. And her daughter’s middle name is [name_u]Artemis[/name_u], son-to-be’s middle is going to be [name_m]Apollo[/name_m]. But I’ve heard her say some critical things, specifically in regards to [name_f]Athena[/name_f] (which is a surprisingly popular name here, we know 3) and [name_f]Hera[/name_f], which her husband’s sister just used a few months back. I wonder if her opinions about me using a name like [name_m]Zeus[/name_m] or [name_m]Apollo[/name_m] would be different if she and I were not close…
As for pronunciations, I don’t recall ever hearing any [adult] pronounce them incorrectly. Especially not something as simple as [name_m]Theseus[/name_m] or [name_f]Antigone[/name_f]. Though that may simply be because the only ones I’ve ever discussed Greek history or mythology with were either pagans or in my classes in university I kind of wish I would see more babies with these types of names.
Though I will admit to saying “[name_m]Per[/name_m]-sa-fone,” “He-kate” and “Deam-adore” when I was in fourth grade reading that story about [name_f]Persephone[/name_f] eating the pomegranate lol
I can completely understand the mispronunciation on some names. I know that with people who I’m close to, if they aren’t pagan, I catch myself being nicer to them about it, so maybe. But everyone I know either finds it offensive or at the least, mildly annoying and confusing. As I stated, if someone who’s a [name_m]Christian[/name_m] doesn’t want me to use [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] or someone who’s Jewish doesn’t want me to use [name_m]Cohen[/name_m] and it’s offensive for me to say “The Bible’s just a story so I can use [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] or I’m not Jewish so I can use [name_m]Cohen[/name_m]” then people should look at “I’m not pagan so I can do X and I don’t care if it offends you” as offensive. There’s more and more pagans in the world so I think it’s time to spread our thoughts on these things.
Hecate really bothers me >.< Lots of people say he-kate or he-kah-tay (I hear this one the most) but the Greek pronunciation is heh-KAY-tee. And it’s so much prettier.
Eh, I’m not a [name_m]Pagan[/name_m] and have every right to use names from Greek mythology, just like you are more than welcome to name your baby [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] or Allah (I actually think Allah is very pretty). I happen to love Greek mythology and find many of the names to be very beautiful and unusual. [name_m]Atlas[/name_m], [name_f]Persephone[/name_f], and yes, [name_m]Apollo[/name_m], [name_f]Hera[/name_f] and [name_f]Athena[/name_f] are on my list. And I’m not sure why it is okay for you to name your daughter [name_f]Persephone[/name_f], as she was the [name_f]Goddess[/name_f] of the Underworld, but you have something wrong with naming a kid [name_m]Apollo[/name_m].
I don’t think [name_m]Cohen[/name_m] is applicable, as it is a holy title for Jewish [name_m]Priest[/name_m]. I wouldn’t name a kid Holy [name_m]Roman[/name_m] Emperor or Pope or [name_m]Bishop[/name_m]…so I think it stands to reason that it would be a bit disrespectful to name someone a title they haven’t earned. But…last time I check, [name_m]Apollo[/name_m], [name_m]Atlas[/name_m], [name_f]Persephone[/name_f], [name_f]Hera[/name_f], and [name_f]Athena[/name_f] aren’t titles but the actual names of the Gods and even Greeks still use the name, although Greece is largely Orthodox [name_m]Christian[/name_m].
Sorry it offends you, but in the end, people have every right to name their kids what they want without receiving crap from others. I don’t think the usage of Greek myth names is a sign of disrespect, but rather an appreciation for the names themselves.
I adore greek mythology names, but some of them would come acroos as stuck-up. Like [name_m]Adonis[/name_m], that’s a bit much even for me. And I wouldn’t name my child [name_u]Paris[/name_u], because I think he’s an arrogant pretty boy who I cannot express my full hatred toward. I want to name my first son [name_m]Nicholas[/name_m] [name_u]Orion[/name_u] (I like the name [name_u]Orion[/name_u] more than the mythical person), and my second son hector Menelaus (two of my very favorite mythical characters)
I actually know someone who is of the faith as well. She thinks it is disrespectful to use ANY of the Gods/Goddesses names. Period. It is interesting to see the diverse opinions, that is true. But by using these names, breathes life into these ancient myths/stories (however you view them), not disrespect, imo. [name_m]How[/name_m] can it possibly be disrespectful to name a first born after a beloved Greek God/[name_f]Goddess[/name_f]?
EDIT - If you weren’t intending to come off angry and offended, I’m sorry. It’s very late here when I read your reply and you come off that way to me. I realize this message also comes off that way but I was offended when I wrote it and I’m just going to leave it here as is because it has large chunks of explanation in it.
Why are you being so aggressive? Am I not allowed to express my opinion and the opinion of people of my faith? [name_m]Will[/name_m] you be mad at Jewish people for telling you why they are offended of [name_m]Cohen[/name_m]? [name_m]Will[/name_m] you be mad at someone for telling their opinion about anything else? I don’t think it’s fair of you to be offended that I’m not allowed to express my opinion. Did I ever say you couldn’t have those names on your list or that you weren’t allowed to use them? I believe I said “of course I can’t stop you from using them.” and that I was just “sharing the opinion of a priestess and her community”. No one else seems offended by my expressing my opinion.
Also, I’m a pagan priestess and we pray to and worship [name_f]Persephone[/name_f] and honored her with my daughter. That’s why we used that name. I believe I said “main gods” not “every single mythological name ever”. Persephone isn’t a main goddess, she’s a very minor one of spring growth and she’s queen of the Underworld. I don’t care nor am I offended by that. I said main gods. The big 12. I believe I said that people who don’t worship them, it’s odd to see the names and to the pagan community it comes off as offensive. It’s different when someone who worships Athena honors her by naming her daughter Athena than it is for someone to say “I don’t care that that’s an important religious person to you, it’s not to me so I don’t care if I offend you.” As I said in my next message to the OP, I realize there’s no stopping anyone and a lot of people do think of these as just stories, but there are more and more pagans in the world every years and we’re allowed to start speaking up and giving our opinions. You can tell me I can use Jesus all I want but if I named my son Jesus or Lucifer, every Christian I met would be furious at me (I know my community). I’m not mad at you for liking those names and wanting to use them, I just want people to know what we think as a community since we are entitled to have opinions too.
What I find most offensive is the attitude that you just came at me with. The “it’s not my religion and I don’t care what you think. [name_m]How[/name_m] dare you tell me your opinion!” That’s what’s offensive, right there. Why are you mad at me for sharing an opinion just because you don’t agree. Did I tell you not to use them? I don’t care if you use them, I’m just telling you what my opinion is and what a lot of other people in this community feel. People have opinions that are different from yours and you shouldn’t be mad at people for expressing them. No one was talking directly to you and telling you not to do anything. You have every right to name your child what you want. It’s not like I can stop you. But I’m allowed to feel and think and have whatever opinion I want. I’m not yelling at you because you have Athena on your middle list (the only major deity on your list therefore the only one that’s even a little offensive) nor was I yelling at or insulting the OP. There was no reason to saying you’re “taking crap” about it.
[name_m]Reading[/name_m] through, I didn’t see anyone yelling at anyone. Everyone needs to chill out, though, especially since this is not the place for theological debate.
For the record, I think if its acceptable to use any god/goddess or hero or heroine name from any mythology, then ALL are fair game. If you’re okay with Freyja, [name_f]Diana[/name_f], [name_f]Selene[/name_f], [name_f]Theia[/name_f]… you don’t get to play favourites or get indignant because you choose to believe in the mythos that is currently being referenced. All names come from somewhere, too many come from old religions to be able to VETO them all. And I honestly don’t understand why you would want to. That’s my two cents, you can get upset about it if you want to.
Everyone has their own reasons for whatever name they choose for their children. For example with [name_f]Athena[/name_f] (which I also happen to particularly like) someone who doesn’t believe and worship [name_f]Athena[/name_f] in the same way you do, but knows and loves the stories and the mythology may like their child to have some of the positive traits that [name_f]Athena[/name_f] demonstrates. Or whatever. You have your reasons for naming your child what you did and those reasons are valid. Other people get to use whatever name they would like, and may use whatever reasons they would like to validate their choice.
Also: Seriously, [name_m]COHEN[/name_m] AGAIN?
For the record, and no intention of disrespect to anyone, I agree with this.
And I didn’t read this post as particularly angry either. Everyone has a right to believe what they want, but not to impede others’ choices or beliefs.
It came off as angry to me when I read things like “I have every right to do X” and then “without taking crap about it”. Well I’m not giving crap to anyone, just expressing an opinion. I don’t care if you use them. I don’t know why it seems like that part is being ignored. Use them, I don’t care, but I can say it’s mildly offensive. I can’t stop you, do what you want. I understand why you would want to, I get it. I am still allowed to say it’s mildly offensive to some of us in this community with someone telling me I’m “giving them crap” about it. Or when I say “it’s my opinion…” and they say “well I have every right to do what I want.” No one said you didn’t.
Also, I mentioned Cohen because it was the only Jewish thing I could think of that’s offensive.
Sigh. This is why I tend not to give my opinion on these subjects. I try and be civil and express and opinion and I’m told I’m “giving people crap” about it. -_-
I think you can use them, they’re not just pretty, but they have a beautiful history. Of course not all of them, but some. E.g. I like Medusa’s name and I love her story, but I’d never use it, so I hope you won’t use a tainted name or a name that your child will hate because of the story behind. Also, I know this is common in the US and other places, but please give your child a middle name. I grew up with a very [name_m]Christian[/name_m] name and I hated it and my parents didn’t even give me the opportunity to have a middle name to use instead, so I went through most of my childhood with different names. I’ve been an [name_f]Anne[/name_f], [name_f]Maja[/name_f], [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f], [name_m]Amir[/name_m], Leaz and now I’ve settled with [name_f]Lyra[/name_f]. [name_m]Just[/name_m] promise me you’ll do that or at least make your child love the story behind her/his name, so that they can love it on themselves.
@Dantea - the way you feel, is how I sometimes feel when Danish people doesn’t know the story behind the name they give to their children, if it’s from Norse Mythology. Everybody in Denmark know who [name_f]Freja[/name_f] is, but not many know who [name_f]Nanna[/name_f] is. Because of this, a large population of children are named this and the parents don’t know her tragic love story and about how she died for Balder. I think that at least Danes should know their former religion, since we have been taught it, in school. I wouldn’t recommend a [name_u]Dane[/name_u] to name their child [name_m]Odin[/name_m] or Balder. [name_m]Odin[/name_m] is just because I wouldn’t be named after a man who is associated with the death of Warriors. Balder, because it turned into a dog’s name.
I’ve actually met a kiddo named Loke and his father was looking very much like a Loke himself, and that made me happy. And I must confess, when I saw the Avengers I felt like it was so misguided about [name_m]Thor[/name_m] and Loke. [name_m]Thor[/name_m] is nephew to Loke. They’re not brothers and Frigg isn’t [name_m]Thor[/name_m]'s mother, Jord is.
That bottom half of your message is great, [name_f]Lyra[/name_f]. Yes, I don’t care if you use them, I just want it to be acknowledged that our religion is as valid as everyone else’s and that they mean something special to us. [name_m]Just[/name_m] acknowledge that and understand the history and I’m fine! And the Avengers -_- [name_u]Loki[/name_u] and [name_m]Odin[/name_m] are blood brothers. [name_m]Thor[/name_m] is his nephew. Thank you! Someone besides me knows that! It has nothing to do with this topic, but yes. There was a discussion about this in the Everything but Name section in a Ships and Character crushes thread.
Until reading this thread, I admit that I did not realise that some people would be offended by the use of certain Greek mythology names. Now that you’ve said it, though, it makes sense. And I’m pleased that I know, as it changes the way I look at some names.
Haha I could never imagine naming a kid [name_m]Adonis[/name_m].
And I’m super excited that your kids MNs are [name_u]Orion[/name_u] and Menelaus (esp Menelaus!!!) I was thinking at the very least that I could use Greek names as middles, so I’m happy to see that someone else went there as well
And I think the positive side of using these Greek mythology names is that oftentimes they’re used because people [name_f]DO[/name_f] respect the mythology. Names like [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f] and [name_f]Persephone[/name_f] aren’t names that you come across in casual conversation, so there is [almost] always going to be some reason for the name…some admiration of the story or the culture or the religion. And I think that if you’re a pagan you should take pride that someone thinks so highly of one of your religious figures to name their child after him/her. I know an agnostic who used [name_m]Christ[/name_m] (yes, as in [name_m]Jesus[/name_m]) as a middle name for his son because he admired the character and the story…and liked the sound of the name. He doesn’t follow [name_m]Christian[/name_m] belief systems, but he still has respect and admiration for the story and for [name_m]Jesus[/name_m]. As a [name_m]Christian[/name_m], I take pride in that. It’s a positive aspect of my religion, you know? That it can inspire even those who don’t believe.
I think we’ve all established that nobody is bashing anyones beliefs or saying that they don’t respect any certain religion. But at the end of the day, we are all free to name our children what we like.
I kind of wish I would see more babies with these types of names.