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.