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Help[Facts] Re: Why are so many biblical names rarely used in continental Europe, unlike English-speaking countries?
in reply to a message by Retrospectre
But these names are even rarely used in protestant-majority regions.
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You did list off 5 names that became significantly more common in the US in the 1970s and 80s, so these names in particular are common now because of US tv, movies and celebrities. Jesse hasnt been popular recently in the UK for example. Two hundred years ago you might have listed off Abraham, Levi, and Hiram, with Benjamin, Samuel and Jesse also being favourites.
Other old Testament names are more common in Europe but not in the Anglosphere such as Axel (from Absalom), Emmanuel/Manuel, Abel, Baltazar, Boaz, Gideon, Eliel, Ismael, Job, Micah/Micha, Raphael, and Tobias. You also didn't list the Old Testament names that are used in English as well as across Europe and Russia, such as Jacob, David, Isaac, Daniel, and Adam.
Some Old Testament names are more common in the US, some of them aren't. It's just a matter of what cultural influences there were after the initial Reformation influx.
Other old Testament names are more common in Europe but not in the Anglosphere such as Axel (from Absalom), Emmanuel/Manuel, Abel, Baltazar, Boaz, Gideon, Eliel, Ismael, Job, Micah/Micha, Raphael, and Tobias. You also didn't list the Old Testament names that are used in English as well as across Europe and Russia, such as Jacob, David, Isaac, Daniel, and Adam.
Some Old Testament names are more common in the US, some of them aren't. It's just a matter of what cultural influences there were after the initial Reformation influx.
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Excellent posts on this subject, Retrospectre.
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