So, I'm a white American, who also happens to be Muslim. It is very important for DH and I to name our child after an important religious figure in Islam, but it is also important for our child to grow up comfortably in the states without being bullied or profiled because of it. We've had the discussion about favorite names, but many of them are names of people we don't want our child associated with. For example, Hussayn was a favorite of ours, but Saddam Hussein and Barak Hussein Obama also have the names, and unfortunately, names thrown around in politics quickly become my last choice. We also like Ali, it's versitile for the states, but I see so many Allison's with the NN Ali (pronounced Alley) and I know there will be some future confusion. I know many of you are probably not familiar with Islamic names, but what do you think of these choices, as outsiders looking in? Do you think my child will be in for it, do any set up any red flags for you? Lol. I'm seriously at this point considering just naming my child John to make it easier.
DISCLAIMER: I understand many of you might have your own opinions on my religion, but please try to keep that out of the discussion. We are really struggling with name selection, and would like that to be the main focus if possible.
Me:23 DH:32 Married 5/14/13 TTC #1 since 5/14 TTC #1 w/ treatments since 5/15 BFN 7/15 BFP 8/15-MMC 9/15 BFP 10/15- Diagnosed BO 12/15 BFP 2/16-EDD 11/18/2016
@Bringmemylongswordho True. There has been a lot more tolerance since my parents or I was a child, so it makes sense that the amount of understanding will continue to grow.
Thank you for your input, Ridha is my second choice!
Me:23 DH:32 Married 5/14/13 TTC #1 since 5/14 TTC #1 w/ treatments since 5/15 BFN 7/15 BFP 8/15-MMC 9/15 BFP 10/15- Diagnosed BO 12/15 BFP 2/16-EDD 11/18/2016
Ali will be the easiest and people won't even bat an eye, but I do like Hadi the most. Don't give in for a name like John I personally love names with personality, meaning, connection, etc. I love a name with a story. Go with a name you love.
I think Ali on a boy is likely to be recognizable and easy because of the famous boxer Muhammad Ali. Yes, teachers may assume "girl" first when just looking at a piece of paper, but I would go with what you love.
Love Hasan! Also suggest Tariq, it's one of my favorites. I wouldn't worry too much about negative connotation. I think we are nearing the era where those things matter less and less. Anyone who judges your child for having a name that is culturally significant is an idiot.
I have a close Muslim friend, Imron, and his brother is named Rizwan. I've always thought that was cool. Sounds kind of like a wizard. No idea if that fulfills your criteria but for whatever it's worth!
Me: 1979 * Husband: 1976 * Little girl: 2010 * Little guy: 2013 * MMC: 2016 * Last baby: EDD 2/11/17!
Hadi is my favorite by far. It makes me sad that this is even a question/issue for you, though. I hope that your child gets to see a world where no one bats an eye at whatever name you end up choosing, or at least not for the reasons that you are concerned about.
I thought Ridha was pronounced like "Rita" before I saw your note on its pronunciation. Hadi, Ali and Hasan are the easiest to pronounce, in my mind. I think I like Hadi the best
I love Hasan and Laith. I once had a student with the name Taj, which I always really liked, and it is very simple to pronounce. I've also always liked the name Samir.
I'm so sorry that you have to worry about your child being mocked for your faith or for his name. That isn't right, and I hope it will change soon.
The McC 3 - DH, (38) Me, (34) and DS (3) A.J.M. - Born 6/11/13 after 17 BFNs including 1 failed IUI. Maybe Baby #2 - Started TTC Feb 2015. Called it quits after 29 cycles.
Re: Religious (Islamic) names.
I do think that it will be easier for your son to grow up with an Islamic name then previous generations. The racists are loud, but they are dying.
True. There has been a lot more tolerance since my parents or I was a child, so it makes sense that the amount of understanding will continue to grow.
Thank you for your input, Ridha is my second choice!
Married 5/14/13
TTC #1 since 5/14
TTC #1 w/ treatments since 5/15
BFN 7/15
BFP 8/15-MMC 9/15
BFP 10/15- Diagnosed BO 12/15
BFP 2/16-EDD 11/18/2016
I agree that Ali will have the least pronunciation/spelling issues.
But personally I like the sound of Hadi most.
Baby #2 Due 3/7/20
BFP 3/28/16 (EDD 12/9/16) * Chemical pregnancy
ME: 40 yrs.old
DH: 41 yrs.old
DD: 5 yrs.
Married 5/14/13
TTC #1 since 5/14
TTC #1 w/ treatments since 5/15
BFN 7/15
BFP 8/15-MMC 9/15
BFP 10/15- Diagnosed BO 12/15
BFP 2/16-EDD 11/18/2016
Married 5/14/13
TTC #1 since 5/14
TTC #1 w/ treatments since 5/15
BFN 7/15
BFP 8/15-MMC 9/15
BFP 10/15- Diagnosed BO 12/15
BFP 2/16-EDD 11/18/2016
Son, K, 9 | Daughter, C, 5 | Daughter, M, expected November 7, 2016
My furchildren, Dorothy and Johnny
On your list my favorites were Hadi, Kadtham, and Hasan.
ETA: I just noticed this thread is almost a month old. Oops! You may have finalized your choice by now. GL!
Dropping a hello your way from a fellow white American muslim!
Ps. my brother in laws name is Ali but my mom still says it like the way you'd say Allie for alison. lol.
Married: October 2014
Began TTC: April 2015
BFP #1: 9/18/15. EDD 5/18/16. MC 10/26/15. (9w)
BFP #2: 2/27/16. EDD 11/7/16. MC/D&E 4/20/16 (11w)
BFP #3: 9/22/16. EDD 5/29/17. DS born 4/24/17
BFP #4: 5/20/18. EDD 1/23/19.
I'm so sorry that you have to worry about your child being mocked for your faith or for his name. That isn't right, and I hope it will change soon.
A.J.M. - Born 6/11/13 after 17 BFNs including 1 failed IUI.
Maybe Baby #2 - Started TTC Feb 2015. Called it quits after 29 cycles.