Both my DH and I love the name [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m], and the nn. [name_m]Gabe[/name_m]. We are not particularly religious, and although we don’t mind the obvious religious connotations of the name, we also don’t want people to think we necessarily chose the name for its religious connotations. We would most likely use [name_m]Gabe[/name_m] 90% of the time.
So, what are your connotations of [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m]? Are they strictly religious and can’t be separated from the biblical (such as a name like [name_m]Jedidiah[/name_m]) or is it more that there is a biblical connection but other connotations also (like [name_u]Noah[/name_u], [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m]). [name_f]Do[/name_f] you like the name?
I wouldn’t believe it was chosen because of its religious connotation. I actually only know Gabriels from atheistic families. I think it’s so “normal” as [name_u]Noah[/name_u], [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m], [name_m]David[/name_m] etc. that no one really thinks of it (in my opinion)
I think [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] is beautiful for the record
I think that the religious connection for [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] has been somewhat diminished in recent years. 10-15 years ago I would have said it would have stood out as a religious choice, but now I wouldn’t assume any connection. it’s not an unusual or unfamiliar name outside of religious reference - like [name_m]Jedidiah[/name_m] for example.
Especially as you would be using the nn [name_m]Gabe[/name_m] day to day, I don’t think you should worry about others’ assumptions on religious connotations.
It’s not my personal style but I don’t dislike the name. The nn [name_m]Gabe[/name_m] makes it much more wearable imo.
I see [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] as a religious name (for context I am Catholic), but not an overtly religious name. Yes I may think of the angel, but unlike names like [name_m]Christian[/name_m] I wouldn’t assume the parents are religious.
I do think of it as a religious name (as would most other people of faith, most likely) but I don’t see it as a bad thing? There are much worse name associations out there. Anyhow, I wouldn’t assume you chose it because you were religious, though, especially if you call him [name_m]Gabe[/name_m] most of the time. [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] is an awesome name…
[name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] is common enough not to give “my parents are religious” vibes. I generally don’t make assumptions about a family’s religious beliefs based on children’s names unless the children are called something like [name_m]Muhammad[/name_m] or [name_f]Tziporah[/name_f].
My brother’s name is [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] and he was named after my grandfather. We’ve never been very religious and I don’t think it’s ever been a big deal for him. He started going by [name_m]Gabe[/name_m] in high school because lots of people can’t pronounce [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] and instead say [name_f]Gabrielle[/name_f].
There’s certainly nothing wrong with it being a religious name, but I suppose I was just wanting to avoid someone who was Catholic/[name_m]Christian[/name_m] asking why we had used it if we are not religious. Basically, I don’t want to offend I guess!
I would never think [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] was chosen for its religious connotations. Although it’s not a popular name, it’s been used enough for a long enough time by the general population that it doesn’t strike me as a religious choice — just a lovely, soft, not overused traditional option.
[name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] has been a top-100 name in the US since the 70s, so it doesn’t feel particularly religious–familiar without being wildly popular.
