Whilst Christianity is likely to be part of my children’s lives (through traditions and education) I plan on raising them completely agnostic with freedom to choose their own beliefs religiously.
These are such beautiful beautiful names which I’ve loved for years, but I’m worried their too tied to religion and both have very [name_m]Christian[/name_m] meaning. What do you think?
Would you assume that a [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] or a [name_f]Christiana[/name_f] had very religious parents?
If it was just one of them, I don’t think I would. But as a sibset, yes.
I think it’s perfectly fine to use either even if you’re not religious. (:
I would on the offset, but only if I knew that [name_f]Christiana[/name_f] had a sister named [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] and vice versa. If I were introduced to either of them apart, I wouldn’t presume that they were [name_m]Christian[/name_m]. They are such beautiful names : )
[name_f]Christiana[/name_f], having the root “[name_m]Christ[/name_m],” would strike me as a [name_m]Christian[/name_m] name, yes. [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f], on the other hand, not so much. So many people out there don’t even know that [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] has religious roots. It is a beautiful name that I love, and I don’t think it’ll be something you’ll have to take off your list.
Yes obviously their names with religious connotations but as are choices like [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] and [name_f]Rebekah[/name_f] however I suspect parents naming their children [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] or [name_f]Rebekah[/name_f] are thinking of the religious connections. Instead most likely are focusing on how lovely and classic these choices are. I think the same thoughts would be thought about [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] and [name_f]Christiana[/name_f]. On their own I associate [name_f]Christiana[/name_f] with the Hispanic/Spanish community and [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] with a European family she has the same feel (I think) as [name_f]Emmanuelle[/name_f] for example. I don’t automatically think of religion at all. Their beautiful names I seriously wouldn’t worry about religious connotations.
As sisters, yes, I’d think of it that way - however, if you were to use, say, [name_f]Florence[/name_f] [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f], and [name_f]Christiana[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f], then it’s not as bad. I’m not sure how strong of a connection others would make, but it’s certainly different from simply choosing [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], [name_f]Rebekah[/name_f] and [name_f]Jemima[/name_f].
Evangelism and Christianity are parts of each other (according to Wikipedia: ‘Evangelism is the preaching of the [name_m]Christian[/name_m] Gospel or the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others with the object of conversion.’) so I’d definitely say they’re connected, however, it could be different depending on where you are from.
Where I live, the most prominent forms of Christianity (for lack of a better term) are Catholicism and Anglicanism, so the connection wouldn’t likely be as strong, I don’t think there are Evangelist churches where I live - however, in the southern US, like [name_u]North[/name_u] [name_f]Carolina[/name_f], Evangelist churches are most prominent, so the link between the two would be more obvious there.
I love the name [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] and had to explore the religious ties some people may automatically associate with it – not being a religious person myself. So I after some thought and nameberry input, it is still on my short list.
That said, the two together would make me wonder if their parents were devout christians of some sort. But I wouldn’t be shocked to find out they are not. So I echo the “separate, not at all, together, yes”. If you really love them and want to use them then I don’t think this should be something that keeps you from doing so.
I think too that as [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] becomes more popular, it will start to disassociate with religion, the way that [name_f]Sarah[/name_f] and [name_f]Rebekah[/name_f], even [name_f]Mary[/name_f], has. I also know plenty of Christinas, Christians, and what have you that are not from religious families.
I think yes, I probably would. Especially together. However, are people’s perceptions that big of a deal in this case? So, lets say you have two daughters named [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] and [name_f]Christiana[/name_f] and people do assume you’re [name_m]Christian[/name_m]…what happens then? Does it matter what people assume? There are worse things they could assume about you (at least in my opinion, but I’m sure there are those who would disagree). If you really love them, use them anyway.
I understand your point - I guess it shouldn’t matter at all. I think I was more worried about the limitations of having a name very tied to a certain religion. Could for instance, a [name_f]Christiana[/name_f] be the leader of a Humanist society? Or convert to Islam? Probably, but not without judgement or unfair presumptions.
My problem with [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] is that even though I believe they have different origins as words/names it’s so similar to the term Evangelical Christianity - of which I strongly disagree with as a denomination. It’s not particularly prominent in the UK, but I’d worry people would associate the name [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] with the group.
[name_f]Christiana[/name_f] (though I like [name_f]Cristiana[/name_f] better) and [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] are gorgeous names and I love them together. I would not immediately think they or the parents are super [name_m]Christian[/name_m] if I heard them.
I think [name_f]Christiana[/name_f] is less likely to be assumed [name_m]Christian[/name_m] or raised by Christians, even though it has the word “[name_m]Christ[/name_m]” right in it because (I assume) there are plenty of Christophers and Christinas etc. running around who aren’t necessarily [name_m]Christian[/name_m], they’re just extremely popular names (or were at one point in time).
[name_f]Evangeline[/name_f], on the other hand, does seem extremely religious to me, but it actually doesn’t make me think of Evangelical Christianity. As far as I know, they tend to use weird Old Testament names (or so I’ve heard, I’m not sure I know anyone who’s Evangelical [name_m]Christian[/name_m]). [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f], to me, sounds like a nun’s name, like a name a woman would adopt when she joined a convent, not the name she was born with. It’s a really beautiful name, but that’s just how I perceive it.
I think, if you used the names, people would think YOU are religious, if they think anything of it. I don’t think that perception will necessarily reflect on the child wearing the name. [name_m]Plenty[/name_m] of people grow up to NOT hold the same beliefs as their parents (I probably know more who don’t than do, actually). I don’t think those names would be limiting to them in any religious or non-religious aspect of their lives. People just might assume some strange things about what kind of childhood they had with their “religious zealot” parents…LOL!
I prefer [name_f]Tristana[/name_f], but I think they are beautiful.
They really compliment each other so well.
I dont think they are too religious.
To me, [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f] {and} [name_f]Christabel[/name_f] {or [name_f]Christiana[/name_f]!} are the perfect U.S.-Colonial-era pair.
I would assume conservative, God-fearing parents {a good thing}.
This is my issue. And it’s a massive issue.
I don’t want to be assumed to be conservative or ‘God-fearing’ (that’s not a good thing, that’s disgusting and harmful and exactly the opposite of how I wish to raise my children) because they are things I am incredibly morally object to.
Having said that I find [name_f]Christabel[/name_f] adorable.
And thanks for the suggestion of [name_f]Tristana[/name_f] - it’s lovely too.
I would definitely assume the parents were very religious. However, both are lovely names so I think it is a lovely sibset none the less.
I am kind of sad that you say this actually, because to me being conservative and God-fearing are wonderful and beautiful things. Although I prefer to use the phrase God-loving, because most people misinterpret the meaning of God-fearing as cruel, which it most definitely is not.