[name_u]Or[/name_u] is it too tied up with angel of death association? While they’re not necessarily being evil, and the meaning is positive, ie. Helping [name_m]God[/name_m], they are rather well associated with death?
I actually didn’t know that association at all. I think of [name_m]Lord[/name_m] [name_m]Asriel[/name_m] from His [name_u]Dark[/name_u] Materials (and now it makes sense why that name was chosen for him). So I would have thought it was usable, but hearing your explanation I’d say it perhaps depends on your local culture and whether it would be noticed/bother people? The meaning seems good, and it has a wonderful sound.
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I think that unless you live in a very religious community it should be fine! Even if the random person here and there knows the association, it’s not the worst thing in the world. The name seems on trend with the other off-beat biblical names that are trendy in parts of the US and it reminds me of names like Isaiah and Raphael, it doesn’t stand out too much regardless of the meaning!
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Thankyou I’m liking it more and more and even the husband gave it a possible nod which is rare.
Only person who I think may have words about it, due to the origin, is my, quite religious, mother. But then she has had words to say about previous names we’ve chosen and in the end she’s been fine with them.
I’ll echo what was said before - I think only those who are very religious - or very into names… - would pick up on it. And, for what it’s worth, both spellings are in the top US 1000 (albeit in the 800s and 900s respectively)
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My only association is the cat from Smurfs
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I agree with the above. I was aware of the angel connection, but I’ve come across it more as a fairly popular character name in fantasy/supernatural media. I think that’s neutralised it for me, so it feels pretty usable, and not too religious.
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Azriel/Ezriel is a name that is used sometimes in Jewish communities, whereas [name_u]Azrael[/name_u] would probably not be. For example I follow an Orthodox tiktoker who’s son is [name_m]Azriel[/name_m].
There is not only one “Angel of Death” in the Torah and the characterisation of [name_u]Azrael[/name_u] in Jewish tradition really depends on your interpretation of various different post-Talmudic and Kabbalistic texts. Similarly, my understanding is that in [name_m]Islam[/name_m] that [name_u]Azrael[/name_u] works for [name_m]God[/name_m] and is compassionate toward believers (please correct me if I’m mistaken). [name_u]Azrael[/name_u] as the angel of death, however, does not appear in the Bible. The name [name_m]Azriel[/name_m] does, in reference to humans.
So, I think the name is usable, but it’s probably altogether less risky and more tasteful to use a spelling like [name_m]Azriel[/name_m] or [name_m]Ezriel[/name_m]. I would also warn that some might find it inappropriate for those outside of religions that believe in [name_u]Azrael[/name_u] to use the name, in particular that spelling. That’s something that different people have different views on, and who can use what names has been done to death on this forum so I’m not trying to rekindle that debate, but just a consideration to add.
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Oh, the cat.
I’ve never heard of these names (or associations) myself!
On a personal level, I wouldn’t use it. I wouldn’t want my child’s name to be associated with the angel of death in Judaism and [name_m]Islam[/name_m]. It’s not my belief, so it’s not an association I’m comfortable with. But [name_u]Azrael[/name_u] is in the US top 1000, so clearly some people are using it.
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