** warning: this post briefly references the Holocaust **
So my husband (turkish/kurdish) and I (jewish american) are always on the lookout for beautiful names that work in both of our languages. And we came across one that I’ve fallen in love with- Nazife. I adore the nickname [name_u]Naz[/name_u], and I also like the boy’s name Nazif! In Turkish, it’s an older name (of Arabic origin, I think) that isn’t very common now. It means clean/pure/innocent.
But the first four letters- (N, a, z, and i) - reference the terrible genocidal group when written in [name_f]English[/name_f]. The pronunciation is different- the z does not make a t sound like it does in the english word. And there is the fe at the end (I guess in english it would be similar to a feh sound?) When I read the name, I separate it as Naz-ife, and not nazi-fe.
If we were to raise a child in Turkey the name would be fine, but would it be cruel to give that name to a child raised mostly in the United States? Is your first reaction a correlation with the extremist group?
All responses are appreciated- especially those from my fellow jewish berries and american berries!
Unfortunately, it was the first thing I saw when looking at the name. I’m not sure if there are other variations like Nasife or Nasif which would be completely usable, but I don’t think a Nazife would be very happy with her name in the States.
I’m neither Jewish nor American, but I hope you’ll find my reaction useful anyway!
It’s a pretty name, but I’ll be honest that those four letters did jump out at me. I would never assume any ill-intent behind giving this name, but I do think it could potentially be open to unkind comments.
I wonder if altering the spelling slightly to Nasife would be an option? I think you could still shorten to [name_u]Naz[/name_u] (or [name_m]Nas[/name_m], with the same pronunciation), and you’d remove the potential association.
Thank you both!!
I quite like the s option, but my husband isnt so keen on it- I think he feels like it’s a kr8tiv alternative, Turkish version
I understand his perspective because since it has no negative connotations in Turkish, it seems sorta mean to change it to an s just to fit an [name_f]English[/name_f] world. Maybe this is just a name for my imaginary babies it’s not worth risking a child’s happiness over.
I didn’t notice the unfortunate word in the name until you pointed it out! As mentioned before, I separated it Naz-ife (might be because I have Turkish heritage and I know a couple people with similar names) but I can say that a lot of others I know would probably pick the first four letters out. Unfortunate though, it’s a beautiful name!
I know it’s not the same, but maybe you’d like Neilani or [name_f]Neyla[/name_f], I’ve always thought they were two of the most beautiful Turkish names for girls!
It was definitely my immediate thought, I’m afraid. I would say it’s unusable. In my attempt to not think the worst about someone, I wouldn’t think the association was intended, but it would indeed be unfortunate.
That was my first reaction, was the word. I’m sorry, but as an American, I don’t think a child in [name_u]America[/name_u] would fare well with that name, even though it is quite beautiful.
The name is beautiful but I think it would be a really bad idea for a child that will be raised in the US. I’m sorry, I know it sucks when you can’t use a name you love but Turkish names are so beautiful, they’re some of my favorites, so you have so many lovely options that wouldn’t have this connotation. If you like the nickname [name_u]Naz[/name_u], would you consider Nazlı? That has its own difficulties with the dotless i but I think it’s gorgeous! [name_u]Or[/name_u] [name_u]Naz[/name_u] can be a name all by itself.
Some of my favorite Turkish names that might hopefully give some inspiration: [name_f]Zeynep[/name_f], Nevra, [name_f]Sümeyye[/name_f], Nesrin, Ebru, [name_f]Zehra[/name_f], [name_f]Yasemin[/name_f], Şirin, [name_f]Melek[/name_f], [name_f]Emel[/name_f]
I honestly think the problem is with the last letter which accentuates the N a z i letters.
For instance, Nazim do you notice it as much? As I don’t.
Either way it’s difficult when you both love a name.
I agree with others that changing the Z to an S may help.
Nasif or Nasim
I don’t know but I would worry about people focusing on the first four letters—maybe even in a mocking way that I imagine would be extremely hurtful.
How would you feel about Nazeefa? I think this would be the anglicized phonetic version? I know it’s a departure from the Turkish version, but if you go back to the Arabic roots or the name you find many spelling variations that I think would work better in the US like Nassif(a), Nasif(a)—maybe worth going through and seeing if there’s one that makes sense in Turkish and [name_f]English[/name_f].
Also, it looks like Nefize is another Turkish name with similar sounds that I think would be a great alternative.
I’m [name_f]English[/name_f] but my mother has an Ashkenazi Jewish background her father’s family survived the pogroms in [name_f]Russia[/name_f] & her mother’s family survived Auschwitz so hopefully my opinion could be kinda helpful!
Personally I wouldn’t use this name if your raising your child in an [name_f]English[/name_f] speaking country (especially the USA with recent extreme racism and actual nazis of recent years walking the streets) those four letters jump out at you and I think it would be too much for a person to handle. I also think your your child like me will have a Jewish mother I personally wouldn’t want my name to have this level of awkwardness. I think it could potentially lead to some cruel jokes involving their heritage/their name especially as kids can be cruel.
There are so many wonderful Turkish names so if it was me I would go back to the drawing board. I really like @ethelmary suggestion off Nazan!
I don’t have any Jewish heritage myself, but my SO is half Jewish and we live in Europe.
The four letters do jump out at me immediately, and personally I wouldn’t use it. I can see why you like it, it’s a lovely name otherwise, but… No. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if the child is raised in Turkey, nowadays people seldom stay in their own country and international connections are very common.
unfortunately it’s really hard for me to not see n*zi in the name, even though i recognise that it’s beautiful objectively. i wouldn’t be weirded out if i were to meet one, but it still makes me uncomfortable. i think if it were my name i would feel weird about it, so i don’t think it’s usable. (for what it’s worth i’m also jewish !)
Unfortunately, the world is not a nice place anymore, and people would probably mispronounce the name, either accidentally or on purpose, to be pronounced like that word. I think the name is pretty, but I wouldn’t use it.
it’s not worth risking a child’s happiness over.
Unfortunately I’m not sure it would work 
