Is this name inappropriate?

I’ve always loved the name, [name_u]Messiah[/name_u], but I don’t know if it’s inappropriate or not because [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] [name_m]Christ[/name_m] the one and only was given the name. I am a [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] loving, God-fearing person but I love the name and I need your guys opinion

Hmmm… Probably inappropriate as a name for a person. But it’s not bad to love the idea. :smiley:

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I’m not [name_u]Christian[/name_u] so I’m personally not offended by it, but I do think some people could be. I’ve always found it surprising that it ranks so highly in the US for this reason.

What about [name_m]Jessiah[/name_m] or [name_m]Isaiah[/name_m]?

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I think it depends on the culture where you are from. [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] is a common name in hispanic communities, but it would be weird for me to give my child the name [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] “jee-zus” where i live.

Personally I wouldn’t do it, and even disregarding the religious aspect and offending people, I’m not a fan of names like that that are so grand. [name_u]Messiah[/name_u], [name_m]King[/name_m], [name_m]Saint[/name_m], [name_u]Noble[/name_u], [name_m]Bishop[/name_m], etc are not only too much to live up to, but also just innappropriate to call someone who is not that title in my opinion.

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I personally don’t feel that it is appropriate; it feels strange to assign such a high title as a name, especially as messiahs/ the [name_u]Messiah[/name_u] hold such religious importance to many people. I can see the appeal, but I wouldn’t use it.

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Yes, I think the name is inappropriate regardless of religious beliefs. As with [name_m]Cohen[/name_m], it just feels like a rather insensitive choice, imho.

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Yes, I do think it might come off as offensive. :slight_smile: Second the suggestion if [name_m]Jessiah[/name_m]. Also adding [name_m]Josiah[/name_m], [name_m]Joshua[/name_m], & [name_m]Jeremiah[/name_m]. :slight_smile:

Just thought I’d say the the topic of religion is avoided unless absolutely necessary here on Nameberry, so I would not add that additional part about your religion :confused:

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If someone thinks their religion is relevant to the discussion, which it is in this case, I don’t see any reason to avoid bringing it up. There’s no problem sharing your religion on here. :slightly_smiling_face:

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I’m no longer religious but when I was [name_u]Christian[/name_u], I found the name quite offensive. It’s definitely not my style now and makes me uncomfortable for other reasons.

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just to be clear, you’re allowed to mention your religion on nameberry, that’s absolutely fine! you’re just not allowed to push your beliefs on others or be insulting of other people’s faiths (or lack thereof) :blush:

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I’m a Catholic and I do find it inappropriate. I know it’s used in the US, but I’ve never met someone with the name. I wouldn’t go as for to say it’s offensive, but inappropriate? In my opinion yes, definitely.

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hmmm… i think everyone should always do their research when they love a name and with [name_u]Messiah[/name_u] i find it a little strange why you would want to assign your child such a high status through a name like that. I see the appeal in its look and sound though, but i think you should look into this name and look past aesthetics if you are serious about it

Also isnt this name illegal in some places ? i think that explains a lot :grimacing:

heres some names with a similar sound/connection to religion

Micah
[name_m]Josiah[/name_m]
[name_m]Zachariah[/name_m]
[name_m]Esai[/name_m]
[name_m]Tobias[/name_m]
[name_m]Ezekiel[/name_m]
[name_u]Jonah[/name_u]
[name_u]Elisha[/name_u]
[name_m]Nehemiah[/name_m]
[name_m]Isaiah[/name_m]

Both offensive and too heavy for a normal person.

I do agree with a lot of people here. I’m also a [name_u]Christian[/name_u] and do find it inappropriate. I was very surprised to find out people did name their kids this. I think as others suggested consider similar names like [name_m]Isaiah[/name_m] and [name_m]Jessiah[/name_m].

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I would say yes, it is quite inappropriate. I’m sorry, it can be hard when a favourite name is unusable, but I feel remaining respectful is the most important thing to do, and there are many great alternatives and similar names (without the heavy religious significance) :white_heart:

I actually know a few little Messiahs… all of them from a school I worked at once. They were all African American, so I don’t know if it’s a cultural thing? I can’t imagine that their parents thought it was controversial at all, just the name they loved or who they wanted to honor.
I’m religious and I’m not offended by it (granted, very little offends me).

As a devout [name_u]Christian[/name_u], I would be uncomfortable using it. [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] is the [name_u]Messiah[/name_u], and He is the only one. A child should not have to carry such a name. [name_m]Josiah[/name_m] might be a good alternative for you!

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Potentially inappropriate, but I’m not sure, especially since so many people are given the name [name_m]Jesus[/name_m]. I do have vague memories of a US court case where a family wanted to call their child [name_u]Messiah[/name_u] and it was initially rejected. I think that ruling was over turned though. The fact it went to court does make me think it could be a problem.

Jesus is a given name that was and is still used. [name_u]Messiah[/name_u] is a title, a status. It’s most definitely not the same thing. The comparison doesn’t make any sense.

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I just realized [name_m]Hosea[/name_m] would also be an incredibly cool alternative for you!