Jewish Name?

HappyMommy1

In one of the posts below, it's brought up that non-jewish parents giving their kids jewish names can be kind of offensive. My husband and I aren't jewish, and we like the name LEVI, but some of our older family members have been really surprised when we mention it, saying "Isn't that Jewish?" I never thought of it as a Jewish name, or even considered that if it is, it could seem weird or offensive to others. I know its from the Old Testament of the bible. So what do you think? Is it Jewish? If so, is it off-limits?

pinchu

I don't think of Levi as Jewish or off-limits. I think it is more about Jewish surnames being used as first names. See link.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-05-05/the-big-baby-naming-battle/3/ 

kklickka

It is a name of Hebrew origin, just like Liam is a name of Irish origin.  IMO it is not offensive for non-Irish people to use Liam (or any other Irish name for that matter), so why would it be offensive for a non-Jew to use Levi?  Doesn't make sense to me.  Noah is also a "Jewish" name, but is hugely popular lately.  I love Levi, it was on our list if we had a boy.

Allie30

I think they were talking about Jewish last names, like Cohen. I don't get it, personally, and I have a Jewish last name. I wouldn't wish it on some poor kid as a first name (it's not quite as pretty as Cohen), but I wouldn't be offended if someone used it. If people can wander around naming their children Harrington and whatever, then why can't they name them Cohen?

Regardless of the above, Old Testament names are not the sole provenance of Jews. They are very common among African Americans, too. (Moses, Abraham, Isaac, etc). Michael is an old testament name.

Additionally, it was quite common in the early part of the 20th century to give Jewish children English sounding first names like "Bernard" and  "Alfred" and even English-sounding LAST names as first names, like "Milton."

It baffles me why people think nothing of co-opting Celtic or French names, as if every American has Irish or Gallic blood in them, but get all up in arms about co-opting Jewish or Asian or Russian names.

juniper19

For some reason there are some OT names that are considered more Jewish than others.  So, Michael and Rachel and Sarah are not presumed to be Jewish.  But Levi and Tamar often are.  I don't know why, but some OT names mainstreamed more than others.

But I can't see how anyone would be offended by it.

queenbone

I gave that response the side eye. I will give you Cohen for obvious reasons, but frankly there is a lot of borrowing from other cultures. Hardly anyone raises an eyebrow. How many non-Scots are giving their children a fn of a clan to which they do not belong? Or worse yet spelling it Myckynnzeeee or Kambyll?

I say Bible names are fair game. Some are more popular with different religions, but I don't think any of them ought to be exclusive.

forensicmama

I think of it as a Judeo-Christian name. That encompasses both religions. Levi is a great name. Very strong and it is not off-limits.

Allie30

queenbone:

I gave that response the side eye. I will give you Cohen for obvious reasons, but frankly there is a lot of borrowing from other cultures. Hardly anyone raises an eyebrow. How many non-Scots are giving their children a fn of a clan to which they do not belong? Or worse yet spelling it Myckynnzeeee or Kambyll?

I say Bible names are fair game. Some are more popular with different religions, but I don't think any of them ought to be exclusive.

Word, sister. MycKynnzee is a lot more offensive (to a Scot and to any right-thinking individual) than Cohen.

SoonToBeJennT

::Playing my Jew Card::

As as Jewish person, I wouldn't be offended if a non Jew was named Levi. However, I do have a few Orthodox Jewish friends named Levi, so I do consider it a "Jewish" name in origin. It most certainly is not "off limits" to a non Jew! It's a great name for a boy! I say go for it, as long as ignorant people don't bother you too much, because you might get asked more times than you would like.

Rangergal9

Like others mentioned, just because a name has a Hebrew origin, doesn't mean it should only be used by Jews.  Abigail is a hebrew name and we are Jewish, but we didn't pick it because it was Hebrew.  If you like a name then I think you should be free to use it.

HappyMrsK

Levi is a great name. There are many FIRST names that have Hebrew origin that are lovely and can and should be used by anyone. My issue is ethnic LAST names used as first names.

I don't think of it as offensive, I just think it is stupid. I would give the side eye to to someone who was not hispanic giving their child a first name like Martinez or Reyes, but those really aren't trends that I see happening.

As far as Jewish surnames by non-Jewish people are concerned, I would also give them the side eye. Although part of me has to giggle thinking about how perhaps some of those people naming their kids Cohen for example might be anti-semitic to some degree and out of their ignornace they give their child a big time Jewish surname as a first name. The irony

Of course I'm really sick of all surnames used as first names. I think the only time it really works is if it is a last name from the child's own family. There are so many great first names out there I don't see the appeal of picking a random surname that's not even from the child's own culture.