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I was wondering what the usage of Asherah is around the world. Is it mainly a Jewish name, or does it show up in other cultures as well? Does it carry too much religious meaning to use as a character name for someone who isn't Jewish? (and like Judaism isn't even a thing in this fantasy universe). It would be just for a minor character, not an MC. But if it's too closely tied to religion, then I'll probably just go with Asher or another alternative.
Thank you!
Thank you!
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Replies
From the other angle of your question, if you’re trying to avoid a religious name, I wouldn’t go with Asher. Asher is a well-known and well-used Jewish Old Testament name (see “My Name is Asher Lev” by Chaim Potok about an Orthodox boy).
Asherah sounds more mythological and like the kind of name I’d expect in a fantasy universe.
Asherah sounds more mythological and like the kind of name I’d expect in a fantasy universe.
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We used to have a highly educated woman on the board, she was an Orthodox Jew. She stated that Asherah was a Jewish name and that it was a form of Asher. I got into several arguments with her about it.
I checked the comments on the name - she left pronunciation information on most Jewish names - but there was no comment from her on there.
I did find this:
https://www.behindthename.com/bb/fact/123323
That was me, she was the one insisting that it was a feminine form of Asher.
I checked the comments on the name - she left pronunciation information on most Jewish names - but there was no comment from her on there.
I did find this:
https://www.behindthename.com/bb/fact/123323
That was me, she was the one insisting that it was a feminine form of Asher.
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Thanks! Some people can be very stubborn about their ideas. :)
I think in the point I was trying to make whether or not Asher and Asherah ultimately have the same etymological origin is irrelevant. As "Andy" says in the post you linked to, almost no Jewish parents would give the name to a daughter even if they interpret it as a feminine of Asher because of its association with the pagan goddess.
I think in the point I was trying to make whether or not Asher and Asherah ultimately have the same etymological origin is irrelevant. As "Andy" says in the post you linked to, almost no Jewish parents would give the name to a daughter even if they interpret it as a feminine of Asher because of its association with the pagan goddess.
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I've never seen the name before, and on immediate look, I'd expect the bearer to be from South Asia. It has a /sound/ which implies it could be of a religious background, but it is also comprised of the common Ash-, and that could mean it just derives from a tree.
If it is a religious name, I, for one, wouldn't know ...unless I looked it up but that's besides your point I suppose
So it's a no, not too closely tied to religion, for me
If it is a religious name, I, for one, wouldn't know ...unless I looked it up but that's besides your point I suppose
So it's a no, not too closely tied to religion, for me
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