Muslim name for non muslim baby?

Boy Names
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One of my husbands closest friends passed not long ago and he would like to honour him if we had a son next. However we are both white from UK and his friend was egyptian. His name was [name_m]Kahlil[/name_m]. Would it be completely disrespectful to use [name_m]Kahlil[/name_m]?

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I’m Muslim and i think its not disrespectful

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Since it’s an honour, I don’t think it’s disrespectful, though I’d probably use it as a middle?

You could talk to Kahlil’s family too, see what they think?

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I don’t think it’s disrespectful, but if neither you nor your husband have any muslim heritage or connection, I’d keep it in the middle name spot. Giving your child such an obviously muslim name will lead people to form an opinion of him from the moment they see or hear his name, an opinion which is in this case inaccurate. So I wouldn’t say it’s disrespectful, but it would be very strange and maybe a tiny bit inappropriate.

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“… Giving your child such an obviously muslim name will lead people to form an opinion of him from the moment they see or hear his name …’

My thoughts exactly. People will assume he is a muslim/ from a muslim country, so this, their possible opinions that come with it, and how it will affect your future son/ his career (maybe it doesn’t) etc etc you have to think about.
I would personally use a nod, I just think it would be easier to wear as a non muslim.

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I’d place it in the middle name spot, not the first. If you want a first name that has similar sound maybe something like Kalvin (Kal for short)?Just an idea. Also, I see Kahlil means “friend” so maybe a first name that also has that meaning (using the advanced search filter) with Kahlil as the middle? Sorry about this friend.

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With the name [name_m]Kahlil[/name_m] I don’t necessarily agree as [name_m]Khalid[/name_m] is pretty famous and similar sounding.

Also [name_m]Kahlil[/name_m] has a wonderful meaning and sounds nice (speaking as someone who is from and lives in the U.K.)

I’ve met non Muslims with Arabic names in the U.K. before and never thought much of it…my favourite was an [name_u]Imani[/name_u]

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