How to choose a Jewish name
Choosing a Jewish name--whether it be for a newborn child or for a conversion to Judaism--is an important decision. Unlike English usage, where names are either meaningless or their significance is long forgotten, the Hebrew language is based on a three-letter root system that renders the meaning of every name immediately recognizable to any Hebrew speaker. The common name Yitshak (Isaac), for example, comes from the root "TsHK," meaning "he will laugh."
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Instructions
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Ask your relatives about the Hebrew names of deceased family members. The dominant custom of Ashkenazi Jews is to name children after family members, teachers or friends who have passed away, thereby giving the child some spiritual connection with an important person in your life (Some Sephardic Jews maintain an older tradition that allows children to be named after living relatives, even parents). If the person died before the age of 40, it is customary at add some additional name connoting life (e.g. Hayim for men, Haya for women).
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Read as deeply and as widely as you can in a Jewish name dictionary (this is an excellent pregnancy exercise). Don't make your decisions based on the phonetic value of the name alone; you should consider its root meaning as well. Mara, for example, is a common female name with a pleasing sound, but the meaning is "bitter."
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Look up the names you are considering in the Bible (try the searchable online version below). Most Jewish names are based on people from the Bible, so you'll want to be familiar with the Biblical original. Some names, especially for women, are derived from non-Biblical roots in the Yiddish language.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't forget to consult with your local Rabbi for guidance.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit baby image by Diane Stamatelatos from Fotolia.com
