[name]Evangeline[/name] is one of my all-time favourites, but recently I’m wondering if you think it’s too religious sounding.
I know that it’s actual history is not religiously-tied (as far as I’m aware it was invented by poet [name]Henry[/name] [name]Longfellow[/name]), but I feel that because it’s so similar to ‘Evangelism’ it does sound very [name]Christian[/name]. It sort of bothers me that she would have a name that most would assume was [name]Christian[/name]. Not that I am anti-Christianity or anything, it’s just that my children will definitely be raised Agnostic (with the freedom/opportunities to choose their own religion [or lack of] if they decide to) and I would hate for people to constantly tie my daughter to a certain religion.
What do you think? To a non-name-nerd, would [name]Evangeline[/name] seem very [name]Christian[/name]?
I might just be over thinking this because it’s an especially touchy subject for me and it’s a really beautiful name anyway.
No, not at all. I had never even made the connection!!! Then again, I’m Agnostic as well (raised in a liberal [name]Christian[/name] household), so I don’t really tie religion into many things around me.
Yeah, to me [name]Evangeline[/name] does ring very [name]Christian[/name] which actually adds to the appeal for me, but I could see how for you it would be a bit of an issue. I feel like most people are aware of terms like televangelist and evangelicals (at least in the US) so I feel like it’s similar to naming your son [name]Christian[/name], y’know?
No, I wouldn’t make that assumption at all. For me, [name]Evangeline[/name] is grouped with [name]Juliet[/name], [name]Isolde[/name], [name]Guinevere[/name], [name]Eurydice[/name], etc. as romantic, love story names.
It seems like many people seem to think that way when they come on Nameberry! Frankly, it does register that it’s a bit religious, but I really don’t think of religion at all anymore, [name]Evangeline[/name] [name]Lilly[/name]'s actually my first thought (other than I just love the name), and I really have no idea what her religious views are, I think anyone could wear it, really.
I’ve never associated the name [name]Evangeline[/name] with religion before. I can see your point, but I wouldn’t worry about it. That would almost be like saying that every single name used in the Bible was off limits for fear of seeming too religious.
[name]Evangeline[/name] is lovely, and has so many sweet nickname opportunities, if you’re into nicknames. If you love it, you should use it.
Being a [name]Christian[/name] myself, I would definitely associate an [name]Evangeline[/name] with Christianity. However, it’s not as strong an association as [name]Christian[/name] for a boy, so I think people of all beliefs can use it without issue. It’s a gorgeous name!
I’m [name]Christian[/name], as is the rest of my family, but I don’t think of [name]Evangeline[/name] as a [name]Christian[/name] name, though I can see why it would be seen as one. I suppose it sounds like one but isn’t- it’s not a virtue nor a biblical character. When I met an [name]Evangeline[/name] I didn’t assume anything about her religion.
I thought that’s what the name’s meaning was. Someone who evangelizes (religiously). It was definitely my first thought upon noticing the popularity of the name.
[name]Evangeline[/name] is a Greek name that means “messenger of good news”. In Latin, evangelium means “gospel”. It is a religious name for Christians. I don’t understand how anyone can NOT see it as a [name]Christian[/name] name. Personally, I would assume that [name]Evangeline[/name]'s parents were Christians.
I can see why people would make the religious assumption, but I just don’t personally see it. [name]Even[/name] so, people aren’t going to assume an [name]Evangeline[/name] is particularly religious, are they? Think of how many non-religious people out there have Biblical names. [name]Do[/name] you assume they adhere to Christianity-based spirituality? Probably not.
I would definitely assume that [name]Evangeline[/name] was a child with devout [name]Christian[/name] parents. If I found out that they were not [name]Christian[/name], I would think it was very odd that they picked that name. Its not quite as bad but I would think it similar to seeing a [name]Christian[/name] child named [name]Mohammed[/name].
I can see why someone would make that assumption, but I don’t think it feels that way to me.
I think you can thank [name]Evangeline[/name] [name]Lilly[/name], that little extra exposure for the name and bump in popularity (along with the Ev- trend) is probably what makes it not feel extremely religious to me despite the obvious word in there.