Mixed Names??

Eveamlizya · July 2011

I was just wondering what you think about mixed names. My husband and I are NOT Japanese but we are so into the culture and we have found some Japanese names that we like (Shiro, Kouhaku, Kamui, Kai...notice there's no girl names yet though lol). I'm only 5 weeks so I don't know the gender yet. I would like to have one name Japanese and the middle name be something else...what do you think? We also have to think about how they'll be pronounced here. Anyone else doing mixed names?

anna7602 · July 2011

DH has a super Eastern European last name and all of the first names on our list are primarily Mediterranean/Spanish. DD's mn is, too, but our chosen boy mn is very solidly Anglo-Saxon, for lack of a better term, with a very, very Hispanic first name. If we ever have a boy, his name will be very mixed.

I don't think there's anything weird about it. We live in the melting pot!

RedCardinal · July 2011

As long as I like it, it's not misspelled, and goes with the correct gender more power to you. I don't care if you are Japanese naming you child Sam, if it flows and you love it, it gets a thumbs up from me. Drinks

tusshie2004 · July 2011

I love African culture and history, which is why we named our son Amari. It means strength in Swahili. I say, if you like a name you should go with it. =]

starlight8323 · July 2011

I think it's fine to use a name that isn't necessarily from your culture. As long as it's a real name, spelled correctly, I could get behind you. Now if it's a made up, smushed up name from your favorite Manga, that's a different story (of course, most Americans wouldn't know the difference).

Here is a similar past Bump thread that might help you (please see my answer):

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/48696117.aspx

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DawnJM25 · July 2011

I don't think there's anything wrong with mixing cultures. Our last name is VERY Irish, but we didn't consider Irish names at all- I think both of our first name choices are French with the Anglo-Saxon? spelling.

AlphabetFish · July 2011

If neither you nor your husband is Japanese, I think it would look quite odd to give your child a first name that is Japanese. Middle names are fair game--go nuts!

In terms of pronunciation, I would say try something that doesn't have multiple vowels in a row, like Kaoru, and the "-uke" (like Daisuke) is just asking for trouble with Americans. Something like Akira or Sakura, something that's very clearly syllabic (or nice and recognizable), would probably be the easiest for people to pronounce.

GoldenPeaches · July 2011

Go for it. Like PPs have said, so long as the names aren't made up, you're good. As for your list, Shiro and Kai are easy to pronounce, but I have no clue on the others. I have absolutely no background in Asian languages or culture though.

We have a very english sounding last name, and I wanted Leonardo. DH vetoed, so we're not using it, but boy do I love Italian names!

kellyrn9956 · July 2011

We will be doing an American first name and a Middle Eastern middle name to honor DH's biological heritage - he is Kuwaiti and adopted.

Kitty Holland · July 2011

Why not - I'd say go for it!

My DD will have a somewhat "universal" first name, a Dutch middle name as well as an Irish middle name and a Dutch last name. It works for us and honors our families and cultures.

globetrotting7 · July 2011

Do it!

Shawnee11507 · July 2011

AlphabetFish:
If neither you nor your husband is Japanese, I think it would look quite odd to give your child a first name that is Japanese. Middle names are fair game--go nuts!
In terms of pronunciation, I would say try something that doesn't have multiple vowels in a row, like Kaoru, and the "-uke" (like Daisuke) is just asking for trouble with Americans. Something like Akira or Sakura, something that's very clearly syllabic (or nice and recognizable), would probably be the easiest for people to pronounce.

This. I think middle name would be better.

Zaphina · July 2011

RedCardinal:
As long as I like it, it's not misspelled, and goes with the correct gender more power to you. I don't care if you are Japanese naming you child Sam, if it flows and you love it, it gets a thumbs up from me.

I agree!

Feb3 · July 2011

I guess I'm in the minority, but I think it would be odd. My middle name is Korean because my mother is Korean. I think it would be strange if it had no cultural significance to my family. But I also won't consider any Italian first names (for example) for our baby because there's not a speck of Italian in either of our families.

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