I really love the name [name]Sakura[/name], and it has significant meaning to me … but is it wrong to use a Japanese name, or any [name]Asian[/name] name, if you’re caucasian? I have a few years to worry about this, I was just wondering because names like [name]Sakura[/name] and Kasumi keep popping up for me at the moment, and I would really consider using them in the future.
If it has significance to you, then it’s not cultural appropriation in my eyes. It’s a beautiful sound, and I love its meaning but it has no particular relation to me, so I could never use it.
I don’t think it’s wrong. I’d love to use a Basque name and I’m in no way Basque (even though I’ve lived in the Basque Country).
I think if you’re really worried about it, maybe consider a Japanese name in the middle name spot instead. Seriously, though, if the name means something to you, usually the child receiving the name appreciates the thought and sentiment that goes in to their name. That’s what I think, anyway.
What kind of meaning does it have to you? A lot of people don’t think it’s wrong and I don’t think “frown upon” is the right term. But I defiantly would question you and your reasoning for it. (I’m half Chinese), which means I would probably raise an eyebrow if I heard it. I know some might ask if you’re husband is Japanese or something along the lines to find out why you would give your white child an [name]Asian[/name] name, which would be rude and not my style, but people do it… and I would likely think it.
I also would find it hard on the child because she would have a name that doesn’t relate to her heritage at all. My mom chose American names for us because she wanted us to fit in and not stand out. It wouldn’t make sense for me to give my child a Chinese name because she or he will only be 1/4 Chinese and they will be growing up here.
I’m also a bit of an anime geek, so I know some people might think you’re into anime/manga because you chose a Japanese name… it’s common among anime geeks, but I would never do it to my child.
I think you just have to keep in mind that you might get rude comments and your child might get put in awkward situations, but if you’re up for that, then I see no reason why you can’t…
I am actually an anime geek … lol That’s why I love the name Kasumi. However, [name]Sakura[/name] means “cherry blossom”, and they’re my favorite trees. We have one at the front of the house I grew up in, and I’ve just always loved the name [name]Sakura[/name]. I feel like it’s right, you know?
I understand where you’re coming from though, and that’s why I asked 
I used to have a major obsession with [name]Sakura[/name], and any Japanese name actually. I was an anime addict you could say? 
Anyway, I don’t think its wrong to use it at all.
~[name]Jasmine[/name]
If we all named our children based solely on our own heritage then most people I know would have a very different name. I am Caucasian, Australian and my heritage is English prior to Australian settlement. My name however is Welsh…and no-one has ever raised any eyebrows. My sister’s name is Irish and my brother’s is Scottish.
It only ever seems to be a ‘problem’ when a person from a ‘Western’ nation wishes to use a name that comes from an ‘Eastern’ culture (or vice versa). I personally don’t see what the problem is…if you like the name then you like the name. If anything, using a name that has originated in a different culture can only be a good things in terms of society- it promotes ideals of equality and diversity in my mind. In a world where so many people are bilingual…perhaps the origin of names will be of less importance in the future and things like meaning, sound, look and personal preference will be of greater importance.
[name]Just[/name] my views…you don’t have to agree with me. [name]Just[/name] thought I’d put it out there.
I don’t think a person of English background with a Scottish name is really comparable to a person of English background with a Japanese name; there’s a degree of foreignness that makes the two situations different. Whether or not a certain name is common in one’s culture (and, for example, plenty of popular American names are not of English language origin) also matters. It’s not weird for a non-Irish kid to be called [name]Kevin[/name], for example, at least not in any English-speaking country. There’s a fine line between multiculturalism and cultural appropriation, and it can be very relative as well.
It’s not wrong to give a Caucasian kid a Japanese name, as long as you’re using the name appropriately. IE: it’s an actual name not just a word, and you’re using it on the correct gender, with correct pronunciation. But it will definitely seem odd. Whether or not odd bothers you - and the fact that you and your daughter may get questioned about it - is something for you to decide.
If you do decide to go the not-your-culture-in-any-way route, i’d consider giving a more mainstream middle name in case in the future, your daughter wants the choice.
Agreed. The English language is a thousand times closer to European languages than it is to [name]Asian[/name]/Middle Eastern languages. It’s not just Japanese and Chinese. I’d raise an eyebrow if I heard a Russian or [name]Indian[/name] name as well on a white kid. Also most Americans came from Europe so the names clashed over time, making it acceptable. I mean obvious names that from that country will stick out no matter what, like the French [name]Axelle[/name] will probably make people assume your kid is somewhat french or [name]Wolfgang[/name] would make people assume your somewhat german… etc… while the name [name]Elizabeth[/name]/[name]Elisabeth[/name] is widely used.
With Japanese names I’m not so concerned since Japanese isn’t a tonal language, but focus is on pitch, which is a LOT easier to learn for English speakers. It would be Chinese names that concern me and it is VERY rare to meet a white person with not Chinese background to have a Chinese name, like [name]Mei[/name] Li or Juo Lan (my mom’s name). If I did I for sure would give them funny looks.
Since Chinese is tonal, “mei” could mean “beautiful” or “no” so I agree with the pronunciation thing. With Japanese it’s not so bad if you pick something common, but if you pick “Ichigo” that can mean “strong” or “strawberry” and it means “strong” on boys and “strawberry” on girls it all depends on the pitch of the word, what sound you emphasize.
With [name]Sakura[/name] I think you are fine because it’s a common one and I think it only has one meaning… Another option is to use it as a middle name.
I also would try talking to some Japanese friends/people. I remember learning in my post war Japanese literature class (I don’t speak Japanese, but had to take a class outside of Chinese, college requirements are odd) that Japanese people are very proud. If you don’t speak their language fluently, they’ll talk back to you in English. I would be concerned more with insulting them by using a Japanese name… but this is just what I heard from my teacher and I don’t think all of them are that way… but it’s just something to think about. I think it’s more of the older Japanese that have issues with it, the younger ones are probably more open.
I think you need to consider the child that has to live with it. If you will be living in an [name]Asian[/name] country or an area with a large concentration then it may work. Then again she may be ridiculed as a poser/wannabe. If people around her don’t know [name]Asian[/name] names then her name will be called made-up, silly, or even trashy
I went to school with a blond, blue-eyed Toshina. She hated the odd looks and questions and teasing. She said “I don’t know what my parents were smoking”. The name may have had significance to them but it was just a horrid name to her. She went by [name]Sheena[/name]
Thank you for all the imput everyone
I personally would not use a name from a culture I have no roots in, but if you love the name [name]Sakura[/name] then there is nothing to stop you from using it.
I recently saw a photo of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl by the name of ‘Oshi’. It caught me off guard and then began to grow darling.
I have a Hispanic name and absolutely no Hispanic blood. Honestly, it’s always annoyed me. I would prefer to have a name from my own culture. If I was even 10 percent Hispanic it wouldn’t bother me, but I’m not so I just feel like a fraud.
It’s absolutely appropriation. Look at the history of colonization and loss of indigenous culture to Western imperialism in [name]Asia[/name], particularly Orientalism and the creepy fetishization/commodification of all things Japanese, and you’ll see why.