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See, as an American myself, most people that have been living here for 3, 4 or more generations now have little idea of what "precise" genealogy they actually have, at least in what I have observed. Precise genealogy and naming based on genealogy feels like a moot point to many. Most people just use what they like these days whether it aligns with their heritage or not and most don't bat an eye. I'm about 75% German myself but am 4th generation in on one side of the family and 3rd on the other. Sure, I like plenty of German names but it feels very odd for anyone to imply I should only be using names from a place I have never been and have retrospectively distant connection to. I like what I like and cultural connections feel more like a fun little nod than anything else concrete in practice. To me, it feels a tad bit like flirting with xenophobia to think we are limited to our own background in naming choices. *not that I am saying you think that! Just in general of the concept* America is such a hogpog of backgrounds it seems silly to limit our choices in that way. I know it is different in other countries/ cultures but this is what I have observed and believe of my own particular region and people. The exception could be made for names that are very obviously of a particular racial group you don't belong to. Such as some African or Asian names I find are less likely for white people to use as opposed to Scottish or Icelandic if you are still some flavor of Caucasian. But even those I think theoretical could be harmless in the right context. I know cultural appropriation is a touchy topic for many on here but I think so long as it isn't "blatant" and is genuinely just a name the parents liked.... that's different. I know several white people with names after Anime characters for instance. Idk. That's just my 2 cents on the matter. It really comes down to so long as the name isn't blatantly harmful in some way, people should get to use what they want without judgment, IMO.

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Please rate my "Names I would Use" list & "Backup Favorites" list. Feel free to rate some of my other lists too if you have the time.
https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/223226/138473

This message was edited 9/5/2023, 3:28 PM