Baby Naming
Tradition puts great importance on the name given to the child. It may be a description of the strengths we hope he or she will display, or a prayer that the child will live up to the potential expressed in the name. The Hebrew name is the one that carries great weight. Having an English name that is similar in sound or meaning to the Hebrew name can give a greater spiritual importance to the former. It is common that the child be named after someone that the parents admire, perhaps in the hopes that the souls will be connected.
Ashkenazi Jews often name after a deceased relative, or another person of greatness, while Sephardi Jews often name in honor of a living parent or relative as well. In times of danger of assimilation, having a Hebrew name, especially one used by his or her family, can be a great source of strength of identity for a child. Our Rabbis teach that the maintaining of Hebrew names was one of the four good deeds that merited our redemption from Egypt. We’re also told that the parents have great insight guided by Heaven in choosing this name, and should not have any outside pressures.
Helpful links:
"Boy's Names"
"Girl's Names"
Ashkenazi Jews often name after a deceased relative, or another person of greatness, while Sephardi Jews often name in honor of a living parent or relative as well. In times of danger of assimilation, having a Hebrew name, especially one used by his or her family, can be a great source of strength of identity for a child. Our Rabbis teach that the maintaining of Hebrew names was one of the four good deeds that merited our redemption from Egypt. We’re also told that the parents have great insight guided by Heaven in choosing this name, and should not have any outside pressures.
Helpful links:
"Boy's Names"
"Girl's Names"