We are not Jewish but very drawn to Hebrew/modern Israeli boy names. We are trying to think through any possible implications of choosing one of these names, raising our child in the US and without religion. We understand that people may automatically assume something about our heritage (grandparents were Jewish, if that matters…), but we can’t decide if we should stick to what we love or pick something easier. Part of me thinks that a) [name_m]Asher[/name_m] and [name_m]Ezra[/name_m] are becoming so popular - no one group has the corner on that market any more… [name_m]Will[/name_m] that happen soon with the below names, too??? And b) certainly using real names beats made up ones. But, I also don’t want to be naive. Any thoughts are welcome!!
[name_m]Eitan[/name_m]
[name_m]Noam[/name_m]
Itai
I’m not Jewish so I wouldn’t be able to speak to cultural feelings from that side.
I do think that the names you like are fun and intriguing and I think choosing a “real” name from a different culture is definitely more appealing than making one up. I would encourage you, and actually assume you have, done research on the meaning and history of the names you like. I think esp when choosing a name one has no or little cultural attachment to that making sure one knows as much about where it comes from as possible is a benefit in helping you decided whether its right for you.
I think with [name_u]Noah[/name_u] hitting the #1 spot last year - [name_m]Noam[/name_m] is a great alternative with very similar cultural roots and will probably be well received though you’ll get a lot of [name_u]Noah[/name_u]’s. [name_m]Eitan[/name_m] and Itai are less familiar (at least where I live, in a place like NYC that might be very different) - I prefer [name_m]Eitan[/name_m] but I think it’s because it’s longer (I do tend to like longer names). [name_f]Hope[/name_f] that helps some. Sorry I wasn’t able to speak more directly to potential cultural issues.
I think regardless of religious back round or heritage so many people are looking for that breath of fresh air name to help their child stand it. With that being said I love [name_m]Eitan[/name_m] from your list
Other favorites:
[name_m]Amos[/name_m]
[name_m]Boaz[/name_m]
[name_m]Gavriel[/name_m]
[name_u]Micha[/name_u]
[name_m]Mordechai[/name_m]
[name_m]Zev[/name_m]
[name_m]Hezekiah[/name_m]
[name_m]Nehemiah[/name_m]
[name_m]Judah[/name_m]
[name_m]Job[/name_m]
[name_u]Asa[/name_u]
[name_m]Gideon[/name_m]
[name_m]Ilan[/name_m]
[name_m]Jaron[/name_m]
[name_m]Lev[/name_m]
Liron
[name_m]Oren[/name_m]
Any one of these would be a huge improvement in a class room full of Aidens, jaydens,caidens without being too strange and out there. Its about time strong masculine boys names made a come back
Thanks to both of you for your reactions. We are torn! Any one else have any thoughts?
I love the name [name_m]Eitan[/name_m]. We have a nephew with that name; otherwise, it would be on the list!
I do think if you name your son [name_m]Eitan[/name_m] or Itai, you might occasionally be assumed to be a member of the tribe. But at most, you (and later your son) will be asked whether you’re Jewish. I can’t imagine anyone taking offense. [name_m]Noam[/name_m] seems a little less Jewish.; maybe it’s because it shares a sound similar to [name_u]Noah[/name_u]. Given [name_m]Noam[/name_m] Chomsky’s politics, you may seem more Noams who are not Jewish than who are (at least in the US).
[name_m]Eitan[/name_m] is a great name!
[name_m]Just[/name_m] as [name_m]Noam[/name_m] is similar to the popular [name_u]Noah[/name_u], [name_m]Eitan[/name_m] is similar to [name_m]Ethan[/name_m], so I don’t imagine there would be any problems with using it.
It’s much more common, but I also like [name_m]Nathan[/name_m] & hope to use it one day!