See the results of this poll: Spelling
Respondents: 44 (This poll is closed)
- Bodhi : 29 (66%)
- Bode : 1 (2%)
- Don’t use that name, its ridiculous: 14 (32%)
I don’t think [name]Bodhi[/name] would be offensive, but I do think that [name]Bodhi[/name] chosen “just because” makes it an empty choice.
I like [name]Bodhi[/name] for similar reasons. I’m an atheist, so I have no connection to the religion. There are plenty of people who use [name]Christian[/name] names without any thought to the religious context, so why would this name be any different? If [name]Dharma[/name] and [name]Karma[/name] are ok, I don’t see why [name]Bodhi[/name] wouldn’t be also.
[name]Bodhi[/name] or Bodie are better spellings than [name]Bode[/name], IMHO. [name]Bode[/name] seems like it should be pronounced like Code or Mode.
I look out at the [name]Bodhi[/name] Headland which overlooks the ocean, so for me it is a little surfer boy’s name who loves to play in the bush on the headland. However, it has imo a distinctly hippie flavour.
rollo
I know a Bodie, pronounced the same as Bohdi. I wouldn’t pronounce [name]Bode[/name] the same, I’d say it with one syllable, to rhyme with code or rode. I agree with [name]Rollo[/name] in that Bohdi gives off a hippy vibe, but I’d go with Bohdi or Bodie if you want that pronunciation, not [name]Bode[/name].
I love [name]Bodhi[/name]! My cousin named her son [name]Bodhi[/name], and she doesn’t really have a connection with the name either - like you, she just liked the nature theme of it. I wouldn’t do [name]Bode[/name] - I feel like there would be pronunciation issues (like others, I would pronounce it to rhyme with code). I think [name]Bodhi[/name] is a great name, and it isn’t offensive if you don’t have a connection with the religion. If you love it, go for it!
Hmmm. Thanks everyone. I’m not sure why it would be considered an “empty choice” we like the meaning and the nature connection, and just like the sound of it also. Our sons middle names are family names, and we choose first names we just like for one reason or another. Also, we are pretty hippie, earthy crunchy types, so it feels like it works for that reason, as well, as rollo mentioned. Not surfers, however, as we live in New England, three hours from the closest ocean. 
My husband is partial to the Bode spelling, but not by much. Mostly because it is German, and our last name is the Americanized, softer version of Schneider. So I think he thinks that Bode fits better with our last name.
Thank you for that perspective, penguin! I had not thought of that, excellent points.
It’s been mentioned before that it might be offensive, or at the very least inconsiderate, and I don’t want to come across that way or saddle my kid with that, so would not use it if that were the case. So I was curious. Thanks for the feedback, all!
I think it’s a good opportunity to learn a little about the name you love. Any name that’s bestowed respectfully with appreciation for its history is great --that’s just my opinion. And I like the spelling [name]Bodhi[/name] personally, but either way it’s a beautiful and unique choice.
I think it’s a fine choice, esp. since you like the meaning and the hippie/ocean vibe (that’s what I get from it). I vastly prefer the [name]Bodhi[/name] spelling; I would pronounce [name]Bode[/name] like the actual word: “oh, that doesn’t bode well…” or with the sound of “code/abode/road.”
Uhm, I’ve always wondered, how is this name exactly pronounced? Like [name]Brody[/name] without the r’ - [name]Boe[/name]-dee? I have no familiarity with the history/meaning of this name, so that part doesn’t bother me, but [name]Bodhi[/name] just looks like “body” to me, and [name]Bode[/name] just like the word… bode. I wouldn’t have any idea how to say either if I saw this name on paper. So I don’t like either.
Yes, just like [name]Brody[/name] without the R. [name]Bow[/name]-dee.
Thank you for the input.
I find it slightly on par with [name]Cohen[/name] in terms of inconsiderateness. I would stay away from it unless you have some kind of Buddhist connection to it. At any rate, even if it isn’t considered to be along with the lines with [name]Cohen[/name], it’s one of those ultra trendy names that screams “trying too hard to be cool,” and ends up having the opposite effect. It comes across as rather bogan to me. There are much better names out there, that are 1. actually names, and 2. actually cool.