Why does the name Lilith have a negative connotation?

jessi3385

I am starting to get tired of sharing my baby name ideas with friends and family because everyone always has something negative to say. I like the name Lilith with using Lily for short. I shared it with a couple people and they said it has negative meaning to it? I guess Im not seeing it anywhere...why would they say that? I've had a couple people tell me different things, like she was a wh*re in the bible or something...I've never heard of that. Maybe Im totally in the dark about this name? Any help or insight? I think I've sworn off sharing names because they're all getting stained by people's negativity, but Im just curious on this one particular name. Am I crazy or is everyone else crazy?

Irishsapphire

I think of Lilith from Cheers.  And Frasier and Lilith getting a divorce, and then there was the Frasier series in Seattle. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilith_Sternin

I think Lily/Lillie or even Lillian are just a little more easygoing and more lovely. 

MAtoMEbride

I think Lily is a very cute name.

When I hear Lilith, I think of the TV show, CHEERS ... Frasier's wife/ex wife's name was Lilith. She was very cold and uptight.  

Not sure about whether she is someone from the bible ...  

krissyh21

Well this is the history on the name and why people may have the negative connotation, though I had to look it up to understand it myself.

When I picture Lilith I picture the character on Cheers that was kind of bitchy. She was Frasier's ex-wife on Frasier, not Niles

But that said, when you share a name you are bound to get haters - if your and your SO like the name, then all others will get over it once she is here. 

HAFranklin

Lilith was Adam's first wife who was created as an equal (as opposed to Eve who was created from Adam's rib). She refused to be subservient to Adam, and was banished from the Garden of Eden after sleeping with the archangel, Samuel. This is not in the bible, it is folklore. 

She is also who the Lilith Fair was named after. 

jessi3385

Thanks everyone! I hated the show Frasier so I never watched it. I do remember watching Cheers. Its so funny neither of those shows occurred to me considering the name Lilith! Im ok with those "negative" connotations if thats all there is, because that's really not that bad. I just dont like any of the other variations of the name like Lilian or Lilia or whatever else. I just liked Lilith and I figured if someone came up with some meaning that was absolutely horrible that everyone knew about (but me apparently) then I would just use Lily.

krissyj75

This is why:

 https://nameberry.com/babyname/Lilith

I know people have posted the negative history of the name, but even if you simply look up the meaning, it is bad.

chibride4

if you and DH love Lilith, then go with it. The future generation won't know "Cheers" or "Frasier." I agree with PPs that it's best to not share names with friends/family ahead of time. They'll likely keep their lips zipped once DD is born. FWIW, I don't understand why so many people like Lillian. It sounds so stuffy... but that's just me. Lily's cute.

led2009

I really like the name. Never heard the Adam's 1st wife story and rarely watched Seinfeld, so I guess that's why there aren't negative vibes for me. If you and your DH like it then use it.

saham07

The only thing I can think of is the Cheers reference........I like the name. Once you use it , IT becomes HER name. They will love it. I also love Lillia (Lily-a) or just Lily if their opinions bother you too much.

jessi3385

chibride4:

if you and DH love Lilith, then go with it. The future generation won't know "Cheers" or "Frasier." I agree with PPs that it's best to not share names with friends/family ahead of time. They'll likely keep their lips zipped once DD is born. FWIW, I don't understand why so many people like Lillian. It sounds so stuffy... but that's just me. Lily's cute.

 

I agree! I grew up with those shows in the house--mom liked them--and Im starting to forget about them mostly. 

jessi3385

It actually just means "Of the Night" not night monster or ghost. I have searched 5 different baby name sites and its all "Of the Night." My name means Wealthy and Bitter and its Jessica--I am neither Wealthy nor Bitter so name meanings aren't steering me much unless its super negative and well known to be negative. Like Lucifer--which apparently some people did actually name their children that this year.

The Adam's 1st wife story, not even that bad. I understand why Lilith Fair was named after her. She was a woman who wanted to stand her ground and not be subservient. Sounds like myself. I am equal to my husband. Either way, thats not the debate or anything. I like the name, hubby likes the name, none of the negative connotations brought up in this forum were that bad, so I guess Im eased up a bit!

Thanks everyone!

kacelle

Lilith is often identified as a female demon because of the folklore.  Lilith is mentioned in the writings of modern occultism as well as ancient Judaic folklore.  I've heard the name used to describe an evil, rebellious person just as I'd hear "Lucifer" or "Jezebel."

kellyrn9956

For me, it's not about connotation. It's that the name does not sound pretty when said, and is actually quite hard to say.

CocoBrynne

I always think of Frasier too, she was so unlikeable that I instantly flash to her when I hear the name. 

FrecklesInside

I also only think of Frasier... Not a fan of the name though. You shouldn't share... it is your choice, don't tell anyone else and then you won't worry about what they think.

GL deciding!

ah625

Lilith is also (in mythology) believed to be one of the oldest vampires. I can't help think of the wife/mom from The Munsters.

jessi3385

Well, I like the name. Hubby and I think its pretty and L's and th's aren't that hard to pronounce, and is she has a hard time, Lily will be her nickname. I also guarantee not one person of this earth is going to look at her when she says her name is Lilith and be like "oh your mother named you after a demon that no one really knows about from an old folklore story?" A friend of mine had to dig deep in google to find that. People dont walk around judging others because of their name meanings and if they do then theres something wrong with the whole picture. After reading so many different answers I have determined that if we (hubby and I) feel like its the best name in the world for us we will use it. As I said, no one shuns me for my name meaning which technically has negative connotation. Thank you very much for all the positive posts! Thank you also for the informative ones! They all helped!

kacelle

jessi3385:

Well, I like the name. Hubby and I think its pretty and L's and th's aren't that hard to pronounce, and is she has a hard time, Lily will be her nickname. I also guarantee not one person of this earth is going to look at her when she says her name is Lilith and be like "oh your mother named you after a demon that no one really knows about from an old folklore story?" A friend of mine had to dig deep in google to find that. People dont walk around judging others because of their name meanings and if they do then theres something wrong with the whole picture. After reading so many different answers I have determined that if we (hubby and I) feel like its the best name in the world for us we will use it. As I said, no one shuns me for my name meaning which technically has negative connotation. Thank you very much for all the positive posts! Thank you also for the informative ones! They all helped!

Why did you ask about the connotations if you're going to get all butthurt at anyone who mentions them?  And your friend had to dig deep in Google?  Because one of the first things that pops up when I search for Lilith is the Wikipedia article about the folklore.

It isn't about a name meaning having negative connotation.  It's about naming your child after a demon/vampire.  And people do know the story.  I just asked DH and he said "a succubus from the underworld."  Inaccurate, but he knew there was a demonic connotation there.  

Obviously you're going to do what you want regardless of what anyone else says or thinks.  You might want to reconsider posting here asking for opinions again if you don't really want to hear them.

Katie996

chibride4:

if you and DH love Lilith, then go with it. The future generation won't know "Cheers" or "Frasier." I agree with PPs that it's best to not share names with friends/family ahead of time. They'll likely keep their lips zipped once DD is born. FWIW, I don't understand why so many people like Lillian. It sounds so stuffy... but that's just me. Lily's cute.

 

 

SpokenVows

kacelle:

jessi3385:

Well, I like the name. Hubby and I think its pretty and L's and th's aren't that hard to pronounce, and is she has a hard time, Lily will be her nickname. I also guarantee not one person of this earth is going to look at her when she says her name is Lilith and be like "oh your mother named you after a demon that no one really knows about from an old folklore story?" A friend of mine had to dig deep in google to find that. People dont walk around judging others because of their name meanings and if they do then theres something wrong with the whole picture. After reading so many different answers I have determined that if we (hubby and I) feel like its the best name in the world for us we will use it. As I said, no one shuns me for my name meaning which technically has negative connotation. Thank you very much for all the positive posts! Thank you also for the informative ones! They all helped!

Why did you ask about the connotations if you're going to get all butthurt at anyone who mentions them?  And your friend had to dig deep in Google?  Because one of the first things that pops up when I search for Lilith is the Wikipedia article about the folklore.

It isn't about a name meaning having negative connotation.  It's about naming your child after a demon/vampire.  And people do know the story.  I just asked DH and he said "a succubus from the underworld."  Inaccurate, but he knew there was a demonic connotation there.  

Obviously you're going to do what you want regardless of what anyone else says or thinks.  You might want to reconsider posting here asking for opinions again if you don't really want to hear them.

 

Well said. And I didn't even have to Google Lilith to know the negative connotations/history. The fact that other people pointed out to you enough that you came on here and asked, generally means there are a number of people out there who already know the negative connotations.

That said, personally, I think the name sounds pretty (UO, I know). It's obviously up to you if you use it, but don't think no one knows the story. 

SarahPLiz

I didn't know the story. Since its Jewish folklore, the chance that everyone knows it if you don't live in a highly Jewish area is slim. I knew the Frasier link, but that wouldn't be a deal breaker. 

I also think that the name sounds pretty. And PPs, its not like she's naming her daughter Havoc or Chaos, words used in everyday life to describe something negatively. People name their children Delilah. And apparently Pandora Internet Radio has overcome its negative connotation.

OP, I'd say use it if you want to. Your child is obviously not a monster, so for someone to say she was would just be mean.  

Katie996

jessi3385:

Well, I like the name. Hubby and I think its pretty and L's and th's aren't that hard to pronounce, and is she has a hard time, Lily will be her nickname. I also guarantee not one person of this earth is going to look at her when she says her name is Lilith and be like "oh your mother named you after a demon that no one really knows about from an old folklore story?" A friend of mine had to dig deep in google to find that. People dont walk around judging others because of their name meanings and if they do then theres something wrong with the whole picture. After reading so many different answers I have determined that if we (hubby and I) feel like its the best name in the world for us we will use it. As I said, no one shuns me for my name meaning which technically has negative connotation. Thank you very much for all the positive posts! Thank you also for the informative ones! They all helped!

 

I have to disagree with everything you said. Dig deep to find the folklore?? Have you personally typed "Lilith" in to google? NOT Lilith+folklore... JUST Lilith.  I suggest you do so if you really think it's hard to find the info or if you think no one really knows about the story.If you like the name and your dh likes the name, why are you coming on here getting defensive? If you really don't care about the connotations then just name her Lilith and move on... But you have to expect honest answers to your question if you choose to make a thread about it on a public board.

ashlierw

my hubby likes the name, but this is why im not ok with it...

 

 Lilith is a nocturnal female demon originating in Babylonian tradition, said to harm male children. The name Lilith is mentioned in the Bible in Isaiah 34:14, where it is translated as "screech-owl" in the King James Version. According to medieval Jewish lore, Lilith was the first wife of Adam, who left Eden of her own choice because she considered Adam inferior. For this reason, she has recently become a symbol of the feminist movement.

The earliest recorded reference to Lilith is in the prologue to the Babylonian epic poemGilgamesh, dating from as early as 2000 BCE. Much later, around the 9th century BCE, related demons are attested in Babylonian lore, including the male Lilu and the female Lilitu and Ardat Lili. All three are vampire-like monsters that prey on infants and pregnant women during the night.

Puppylove*85

I'm not Jewish but I did know about the story of Lilith and Adam and the supposed connection to demons.

I don't understand why you are saying that the negative connotation is obscure and relatively unknown when a couple of people have already told you about it.  Everyone you meet may not know of it but it's pervasive enough to persuade a lot of people to not use the name.

zaramarie81

Lilith isn't in the bible (I don't believe). It's my understanding that people are confusing the story with an extra-biblical story about a temptress named Lilith who came between Adam and Eve (if my memory serves me correctly). This legend gave Lilith a negative connotation for a long time.

I also associate Lilith with Frazier's ex-wife and the way he said her name with a certain... disdain. 

ETA: Correction - yes, Lilith was, according to legend/folklore, Adam's first wife, not a temptress (although we could debate all day long as to whether Eve being created by Adam's rib *really* made her subservient - I say no haha -  and if we really need a Lilith character to begin with. But that is not the debate/question. The point is, there are a lot of negative connotations to the name, historically, and no you do not have to dig deep). 

stahlop

Lilith was the first wife to Adam.  She was kicked out of Eden for wanting to sleep next to Adam and not under him.  She basically wanted to be his equal and not be subservient to him.  This is the story I was taught in my Women in Judiasm class.  And, it's not considered folklore but a story that was taken out of the Old Testament because of Lilith being such a strong woman.  It was later on that she was made out to be some evil succubai who was associated with still born babies and such.  Most likely to keep women more subservient to men.  I've always liked this name much more than Lillian.  I agree that Lillian sound really old lady to me and Lilith is a much fresher name.  I personally see Lilith as a strong women's name and do not associate it with the demon folklore.

SposaBellarina

IDK-- I thought the negative connotations were pretty well-known and far-reaching.  I was too young for Frasier or Cheers, but I still know and understand why the writers gave his wife that name.  I think the myths are sexist and the name sounds pretty (albeit hard to pronounce-- Ls and THs are difficult for the under-5 crowd), but I'd stay away from it. 

emikat

I love this name and would use it.  Sounds like you like it too and I think you should stand your ground on using it then.  Meanings and folklore is just that.  Your baby will make her own history for this name. 

cogbot

our cat is named Lilith.  Originally we named her Lily, then she started attacking our faces in the middle of the night, so we changed it to Lilith.  She REALLY is our night demon/monster.. lol.   We love her.

So when I think of Lilith, I think of a cat that likes to attack people  

BLPL101

Yes, I know that Lillith is associated with demons. I only know this because someone brought it up once on this board.

ni077169

I agree with pp, Lilith is known as a demon. There was even a episode about it on the history channel. 

gisa886

I love the name Lillith and I think of Cheers and Frasier. I loved her character, but she was very cold. I don't see why there is a negative connotation 

BrittKav

Eh, I like it. I think Lilith is a strong character and was only demonized to keep women subservient. It wouldn't dissuade me from using it.

moonfaerie

SarahPLiz:

I didn't know the story. Since its Jewish folklore, the chance that everyone knows it if you don't live in a highly Jewish area is slim. I knew the Frasier link, but that wouldn't be a deal breaker. 

I also think that the name sounds pretty. And PPs, its not like she's naming her daughter Havoc or Chaos, words used in everyday life to describe something negatively. People name their children Delilah. And apparently Pandora Internet Radio has overcome its negative connotation.

OP, I'd say use it if you want to. Your child is obviously not a monster, so for someone to say she was would just be mean.  

this

Eilis123

I'll be honest, when I hear parents name their kids things like Lilith, Cain, Delilah, etc, I assume they are either culturally illiterate or deliberately have given their children names with a dark association.  Either way, I judge.

Do what you like, it's your kid, but keep in mind that even if the name's association isn't familiar to you, it is pretty familiar with a lot of people, most of who aren't Jewish.

Why saddle your kid with that?