I’m not planning to use any of these names so don’t judge me, I’m just curious what people’s opinions are because the more I look at nameberry I’m pretty confused about why some names are considered offensives while others are not. For example, I know that many people consider [name_u]Cohen[/name_u] to be offensive because it’s a title someone would earn in the Jewish religion. However, it’s becoming increasing popular to use names like [name_m]Bishop[/name_m] and [name_m]Deacon[/name_m] for [name_u]Christian[/name_u] people. Why has one become offensive while the other is not? Does it matter the religion of the person using the name? Also I’ve seen some people who believe you shouldn’t use cultural names from a culture you are not a part of, while others think it’s ok as long as it comes from a place of good intentions. Where do you stand on this also?
Yes! If a Jew used Cohen it wouldn’t be a big deal, but if a non-jewish person did, it would be offensive.
Same with the names Christian, Bishop, and Deacon. If you weren’t catholic it would just be weird.
Full respect to all religions <3
I think if you use a name directly out of the culture it’s not a big deal.
For example, Hawai’i. Using Lani — an overused name both there and in other places, but OK. But let’s give a few examples-
Pronouncing a name wrong. EX: Maile should be my-lay be I’ve seen Miley on here and it honestly tr*ggers me.
“Modifying” a name. The name Kelani is beautiful, but spelling it Caylanie because it makes more sense to you??? No.
Or orthodox. We have such titles too 
As a non-English person, I don’t feel offended if someone bares names from my culture. However, I will never use the name of other nation or religion if I was unsure of it being polite.
I find it strange to pick a very religious name for your child. You have no idea it your child will share your religion or not.
How fun will it be to be an ateist but wearing the name [name_m]Bishop[/name_m], [name_f]Hallelujah[/name_f] or Bathseba? To me its almost like you want to force the faith you have choosen for yourself onto your child.
When it comes to names from other cultures I think you should do careful research. Its fine to pick a name for another culture as long as you pick respectfully. Some names have deep meanings and are only used for very specific reasons. With respect for others and your own child you should be a bit careful I think.
Several different Christian denominations have these as titles within their religion. Many of the Christian denominations came about from Catholicism so they kept many of the same titles.
I think, before considering if some of the names are offensive because they are taken from a religion by someone not in that religion, it is important to look at why they are using it – provided you are close enough to ask. If not, then you shouldn’t be in a position to judge another couple for the name(s) they have chosen – though there are a few names that are exceptions to this rule.
Example
A couple is having a son. They are atheist. They also met and have a major connection through playing chess. A bishop is a game piece in the game so they decide to give their son the name [name_m]Bishop[/name_m] to honor their love of chess. They are not trying to tie him to a religion they have nothing to do with, but are trying to honor a game that brought them together.
The only thing I find offensive when people take names from my culture is anglicisation.
You really shouldn’t be altering spelling just to make a traditional name more ‘aesthetic’ or ‘easy for english speakers’ because, that’s kind of the point. they’re not english. the names aren’t supposed to be english. it’s not okay. if you don’t think people’ll be able to pronounce it, then either just correct them, or use an english variant (ie. [name_f]Mhairi[/name_f]- Mary)
examples of anglicised names:
Niamh-> [name_f]Neve[/name_f] (neve is fine pronounced neh-vay like snow because its a different name.)
Siobhan-> [name_f]Chevonne[/name_f]
Eilidh-> Ailey
Disclaimer–I am by no means an expert on this and am always learning, so I’m grateful for other perspectives! But my current understanding is that when it comes to cultural/religious appropriation, the relative social power/privilege of the people involved is relevant. So a non-Jewish person using the name [name_u]Cohen[/name_u], when meanwhile Jews are subjected to oppression on the basis of their Jewish identity, is problematic. But the case of a non-Christian person using Bishop/Deacon/etc.–while potentially controversial–does not contribute to oppression against Christians, at least in majority-Christian countries, because Christians are not oppressed on the basis of their religion in those countries. I think this principle can be applied to lots of other cases; it’s not cut-and-dried, but in general, I think there’s more potential for issues with a person in a privileged group “borrowing” a name from an oppressed group than vice versa.
I just want to point out that Jews are not just a religious group but an ethnoreligious indigenous people, so comparing Jews to Christians doesn’t make any sense as Christianity is just a religion. (These groups are also completely different in how they are seen on a global level as well as how they have influenced society).
Furthermore, I think it also depends on how the group has been treated (are they oppressed? Have they had to hide their identities? Has their culture been taken from them) and whether or not their culture, practices, or religion are closed or open. Jewish practices are entirely closed to non-Jews, whereas Christianity is not a culture in it if itself (although there are subcultures that may exist within Christianity) and their practices are not closed.
Basically, it depends on the context for each name but using some names appropriates closed practices or cultures (think [name_u]Cohen[/name_u] or non-Jews using some Hebrew or Yiddish names) while others would just be strange on someone not from a specific religious or cultural background (Bishop etc).
I’m [name_u]Christian[/name_u]. Naming one’s child [name_u]Messiah[/name_u], Jesus(with the [name_f]English[/name_f] pronunciation) and [name_m]Lucifer[/name_m] really ticks me off. [name_f]My[/name_f] mum is a teacher and I asked her what she’d do if she had a student with such a name. The only name she didn’t want to use was [name_m]Lucifer[/name_m] and she said she’d call him by his other name or maybe his surname .
What I’m trying to say is not all Christians get offended by certain names,so if used, you won’t be upsetting all Christians but the jews might have common names they all find offensive so we leave it alone.
While I understand not wanting to use a name, that could be considered rude and inconsiderate toward the child and his family. It teaches the child that he isn’t worth it if he can’t use his own name. If he chooses to go by another name, that is something else. But it shouldn’t be the teacher’s choice based on their own personal preferences.
While I agree there are some names that shouldn’t be used because they are considered offensive, having someone outside the family force their opinions on a child shouldn’t occur either.
No Jewish person would ever use Cohen, and no Catholic would name their child Bishop or Deacon, because they are titles that deserve respect and are not seen as given names. So people using them by definition don’t know enough about that culture or religion, or don’t respect it enough, to see that these aren’t appropriate as names.
I get what you’re saying but in my country it’s much common for people to go by their surnames or other names(which is usually local). About 90% of the population have day names.First names(if not local) are given with the intention of fitting in a multicultural society. Some people even go by names they do not have on their birth certificates.
So in this case from a cultural perspective it’s appropriate.
PS. The name Lucifer won’t be used in my country in the first place.
I found that article the last time I came across a Cohen debate on Nameberry and found it to be a worthwhile read. Since it’s been written/ updated the name is now #282 on the charts.
I actually had a camper this week with a “similarly said but differently spelled” name to Cohen and I think for me to answer your what are my thoughts it comes down to the motivation. I can’t expect every baby namer out there to do the same level of naming research that I do. And there are Berries who clearly do more research then I do in general. So in that regards innocence is bliss and if I come across a Cohen I’m not going to jump to some judgemental conclusion regardless. Because even then all the research can land different namers at different conclusions as the above article illustrates. Cohen is said to have jumped in popularity due to a character on a TV show. That’s something I know you can grasp as you’re considering the name Gideon due to the fondness of a TV show connection despite it’s somewhat obvious biblical connection. Disclaimer: I am in no way saying Gideon is considered offensive to some Another example is Macaulay Culkin naming his son Dakota. That’s also considered a bit of a controversial name on Nameberry (though probably not to the same extent). However, his motivation was to honor his late sister named Dakota…… so in the end for me it all comes down to motivation.
The idea of a “messiah” or as we call it “moshiach” was not originally or exclusively a Christian idea. The Christian usage originated from Judaism (which came before Christianity) and maybe some other religions or cultures I’m unaware of. I do think it’s an awful name though and i doubt any Jew would use it. 
As much as I believe there are some names that shouldn’t be used due to their connections, the majority of people naming children are not Berries. Though some may do some light research on a name, the majority do not. They choose names that sound good, they like, they’ve recently seen or heard or hold meaning to them (e.g. the name of a grandparent, ancestor or a friend who died). Not all those who they are honouring or they have heard the names from had namers who did research before naming their child, character, etc.
I can’t fault them for someone else for their namer using a name they love. While I wish more people learned the background of the names they are looking at using, until they do I can’t take offence against people whose use names they aren’t aware of holding the meaning they do. Until everyone looks at names and researches them before using, I can only offer my opinion when asked. Otherwise, I will sit back and NOT use the names on my [name_f]Do[/name_f] Not Use list when I am the namer.
I’m not quite sure. I know a [name_u]Cohen[/name_u], but I’m not sure if he is Jewish or not. Either way, I don’t really care. I understand that it’s a Jewish title, but it is also a fairly common name (ranking #260). I find the name stands on its own. Same goes for [name_m]Bishop[/name_m] and [name_m]Deacon[/name_m]. I am [name_u]Christian[/name_u], but if a non-Christian named their child [name_m]Jesus[/name_m], I wouldn’t care. They like the name, how it sounds, how is looks, and I would be happy for them. But maybe I’m missing something here.
I totally agree with you! To refuse to use someones name because ones own choice of religion is just terrible. Its not ok to teach children its fine to to treat someone badly based on religion.
Jesus is a perfectly normal given name, and is quite common in some Spanish speaking countries. It’s not a title. Messiah is, as are Bishop and Deacon (but Messiah is of course different from the latter two).