Is Miriam considered 'OK' to use if you aren't religious?

I know that [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] has a few very strong religious connections, and unlike some biblical names, [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] doesn’t seem to be used a lot outside of the bible/religious circles (where I live anyways).

I live in a very small, very [name_m]Christian[/name_m] area, (which is unlike the city I live near, and surrounding areas, but for some reason, the village I live in is very religious - a bit like your stereotypical US hick style town, but in [name_f]Canada[/name_f] instead…) and also, very judgemental (although everyone’s fine with [name_m]Drummer[/name_m] and Irelynd as their kids names - go figure).

I have not attended church regularly since I was a child, and have no intentions to as long as I live in my area (my church is not a nice place to attend, when I was younger, quite a few ‘regulars’ at the church decided to gossip about my parents’ separation, and speculate, and spread rumours about my family - thus ending my church attendance).

I believe in God, and I am a [name_m]Christian[/name_m], but, since I’m not like, (unsure of the correct term here) a practicing [name_m]Christian[/name_m] (I celebrate [name_u]Christmas[/name_u], but like, no church services, no bible readings, and rarely praying), and I’m not Jewish at all, would it be completely inappropriate to use the name [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] for a child? I would consider [name_f]Maryam[/name_f] as well, but not [name_f]Mariam[/name_f] or [name_u]Marian[/name_u].

If I were to use [name_f]Miriam[/name_f], I would likely use [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] [name_f]Florence[/name_f], [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] [name_f]Rebecca[/name_f] or [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] [name_f]Georgina[/name_f] (but more than open to suggestions!).

Thank you, and sorry if this post doesn’t make a lot of sense.

I know three Miriams, none of whom are conservatively religious in their respective religions. I think you’re safe there. It’s a gorgeous name (one of my favourites) and I encourage you to use it!

Yes, it’s totally okay to call you child [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] if you are not religious.
I think [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] [name_f]Florence[/name_f] is lovely.

Also, it’s really no different than using any other name rooted in the Bible/Torah/etc. [name_u]Noah[/name_u]‘s the most popular boys’ name in the US right now, and I can assure you not all of their parents are practicing Catholics etc. :slight_smile:

The only [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] I know is not of any religion, she was my [name_m]French[/name_m] professor if you want a different association. [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]'s a pretty name.

+1

I get that [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]'s less common than [name_u]Noah[/name_u], but the principle’s the same. I wouldn’t assume a [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] came from a religious family–biblical names are so entrenched in many cultures that many have lost their strong biblical connections.

I think you’re fine. There’s no rule that says you have to be a devout [name_m]Christian[/name_m], Muslim, or Jew to use names from the Bible, Qur’an, or Torah.

Thank you everyone :slight_smile: I had a feeling it would be ok, but I didn’t know if it would be like a non-practicing [name_m]Christian[/name_m] naming their child [name_m]Moses[/name_m], [name_u]Messiah[/name_u], or well, [name_m]Christian[/name_m].

I’m glad it’s ok for me to use though! :stuck_out_tongue: