I absolutely adore the name [name_m]Israel[/name_m] but how do other people feel about it? [name_m]How[/name_m] would it be viewed in reality as opposed to on here?
I like it. A man I really respect- a military man and friend of my family- is named [name_m]Israel[/name_m] “[name_u]Izzy[/name_u]” and he wears it well. Other place names work, so I feel this one can work too. As far as I am aware, it isn’t considered offensive or tied to anything particularly bad, so you should be safe using it. It’s a strong name!
Personally I would think it’s a bit odd… like naming your kid [name_f]Canada[/name_f]…
I love [name_m]Israel[/name_m]. I know three people named [name_m]Israel[/name_m] and I don’t believe they’ve ever had an issue regarding their name.
I think it is a great name. It does have some connotations in culture with the country, but it was a name first. I like the Bible story to go along with it.
I knew a boy with this name. Because of the major political aspects of it I’d avoid it, but that may not bother you.
I agree with alphabetters and abertawe. On one hand, it’s like naming your kid [name_f]France[/name_f] or Tasmania; on the other hand, it could raise unwanted attention if your kid, once grown, finds himself in certain areas because of the major sensitivities surrounding the name.
If you like [name_u]Izzy[/name_u] for a nickname, there’s always the options of:
[name_m]Isaac[/name_m]
[name_m]Isiah[/name_m]
[name_m]Isadore[/name_m]
[name_m]Israh[/name_m]
[name_m]Itzik[/name_m]
[name_m]Izaiah[/name_m]
Izador
I think it is a beautiful name. It was a name before it was a country, so I don’t think it is weird to want to call a child that. Good, strong name! <3
Thanks for the opinions, much appreciated
Personally I really like it, and the nn [name_u]Izzy[/name_u] is adorable on a boy, but I wouldn’t use it because it’s too politically charged.
I actually like it, as a GP name 
It’s a Jewish name. i would be extremely uncomfortable with non-Jews using it.
I don’t like it, sorry. It’s just very strange to me.
I love it, but it is politically charged. I’ve considered it as a middle name.
I think [name_m]Israel[/name_m] as a name is very politically charged, whether you intend it to be or not… Personally, I wouldn’t choose it for that reason (also I’m not a fan of location names).
I’m curious though, is [name_m]Israel[/name_m] a common (or known) name in your area? I live in the UK and have never met or heard of someone with the name.
I know somebody named [name_m]Israel[/name_m] and he has never had problems with his name, however I could see how it is a politically charged name.
I agree that it could be perceived as political/religious and, as others have said, I’d steer clear for that reason.
“Safer” options which might appeal to you: [name_m]Ishmael[/name_m]/[name_m]Ismael[/name_m] or [name_m]Azriel[/name_m]/[name_m]Azrael[/name_m]?
I wouldn’t use it. As others have stated, I am anti place names and there are too many political and religious issues.