I am not super religious, but have always been a big fan of the name [name_u]Christian[/name_u]. Would it be weird to use that name while not being super religious person? Does it seem like a big showcase of ones Christianity? What about the Spanish and Eastern European spelling [name_m]Cristian[/name_m]? Does that change your association of the name?
I would think it’s odd for a non-Christian to use the name, unless it was a family honor or something. I quite like [name_m]Cristian[/name_m] but I pronounce it differently: CREES-ti-an.
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Strangely enough, [name_u]Christian[/name_u] doesn’t feel that religious to me! I think since it’s been in the top 100 in the US since the 80s, it’s so established as a name that I don’t think immediately of the religion.
I do think it would be an odd choice for a family from another faith or who are strongly atheist, but I don’t think [name_u]Christian[/name_u] would be weird for someone who is Christian/has a [name_u]Christian[/name_u] background but isn’t particularly religious.
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[name_u]Christian[/name_u] is nice! Like @EagleEyes I don’t especially expect a [name_u]Christian[/name_u] to be a [name_u]Christian[/name_u]. It’s been popular enough for long enough that it just feels like a standard top 50 name like [name_u]Gabriel[/name_u], [name_u]Logan[/name_u], [name_u]Evan[/name_u], [name_u]Liam[/name_u], [name_m]Alexander[/name_m]. For me I would consider it to honor my uncle - I am so tired of [name_m]Christopher[/name_m] still but I like that I could do a nod to him with [name_u]Christian[/name_u]. tbh most of the time I forget the tie to Christianity, but ah well. I think it has some nice nns if you want them (Kit, [name_m]Ian[/name_m], etc. - I’m tired of [name_u]Chris[/name_u] myself lol), but it has that cool aesthetic that I love with other -ian names like [name_u]Julian[/name_u], [name_m]Sebastian[/name_m], [name_m]Aurelian[/name_m], [name_m]Valerian[/name_m], [name_u]Florian[/name_u], [name_m]Finnian[/name_m], etc.
If you’re not religious, I wouldn’t let it bother you if you truly love the name.
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I don’t think it’s weird. I don’t even immediately associate the name [name_u]Christian[/name_u] with the word [name_u]Christian[/name_u].
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I do find it odd if you weren’t [name_u]Christian[/name_u]. Almost like
naming your child Buddha if you weren’t Buddhist. I suppose one could find some difference but that’s my take anyway.
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It’s absolutely fine imo! Like others pointed out it’s such an established, familiar and well-used choice that anyone can use it. The only [name_u]Christian[/name_u] I’ve met had entirely non-religious parents whose heritage was from a majority Muslim country. It wasn’t something I ever even thought about!
If you do want to lessen the association with religion, an alternative spelling like [name_m]Cristian[/name_m] or [name_u]Kristian[/name_u] could work, but if you live in an English-speaking country where [name_u]Christian[/name_u] has been popular as a name in the past it might be a bit bothersome having to correct the spelling. Definitely not the end of the world, though!
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Seconding this. While the fact that it does sound like the descriptor and the name of a religion would put me off personally, I wouldn’t find it that surprising or make big assumptions on meeting a Christian. I think hearing it in the context of being a name helps me separate the two?
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I wouldn’t expect a [name_u]Christian[/name_u] to be a [name_u]Christian[/name_u] but I would expect a Christian’s parents to be [name_u]Christian[/name_u] (and be shocked/confused to learn otherwise)
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This! I think the religious association would definitely ware off if it was spelt Cristian. I think I prefer that spelling overall!
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[name_u]Christian[/name_u] is a family name for me, and it has nothing to do with religion. While I love it because it is a family name, I loved it before I found out how deeply ingrained it is in my family tree. If you (or anyone else for that matter) were to use the name for a child, I would not automatically think you’re a [name_u]Christian[/name_u] or even showcasing your religion. If I were to use it, I would not be using it for religion’s sake.
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[name_u]Christian[/name_u] is a great name. I like it and I don’t think many people would assume it’s a reference to your religion. After all, we often use the term, [name_u]Christian[/name_u] names for names themselves, and although this might have been because of religion, people don’t think like that anymore.
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I love the name and don’t associate it with religion…. And I am of [name_u]Christian[/name_u] faith.
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I think its been popular for long enough that I wouldnt expect them to be christian
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Thanks so much for your feedback everyone!