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HelpRe: Using a name from another culture as an American
in reply to a message by Olwen
No. I have no problem with people using names from another language or culture. I happen to love the name Aleksander (this spelling) and would definitely consider using it even though I’m not Russian/Polish.
The only time I think names should be left to people of a particular culture are religious names. You might not want to use Khadijah or Mohammed if you’re not Muslim or Krishna if you’re not Hindu.
The only time I think names should be left to people of a particular culture are religious names. You might not want to use Khadijah or Mohammed if you’re not Muslim or Krishna if you’re not Hindu.
This message was edited 9/7/2023, 4:41 AM
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Not American, but I have a lot of Islamic friends and I've asked them once if they'd have a trouble if I gave my daughter an Arabic like Khadija, Latifa or Safiyya and they have no problem with it.
I often think that "we, Western people" make more fuss about it than anyone else. It's not up to us if it's offensive. Ask those around you from a particular culture and you'll see that most don't have a problem with. I think offensive names are more along the lines of Himmler etc.
I often think that "we, Western people" make more fuss about it than anyone else. It's not up to us if it's offensive. Ask those around you from a particular culture and you'll see that most don't have a problem with. I think offensive names are more along the lines of Himmler etc.
This message was edited 9/7/2023, 5:06 AM
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I don’t really think it’s offensive for a non-Muslim to use a traditionally Muslim/Arabic name. Names such as Samir, Yasmin and Alia are not totally associated with Islam but more with Arabic culture. There are many Arab Christians. The only problem with using a name that is almost 100% associated with Islam is that people will jump to conclusions. I worked with a girl named Khadijah who was not Muslim but people were always saying things like “Oh you’re Muslim” or “You must be Muslim.” She was always having to say “Not Muslim. My parents just liked the name.”
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