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HelpRe: Question about names and cultures
in reply to a message by RegalAmethyst
Thanks for sharing, I definitely can relate (I'm middle-class white). I don't think Canadians are as bad as you've described (although it depends on the person)... I mean with look-giving and such tightly knitted groups. But, somehow people tend to socialize with those with similar experiences. My parents visited with friends in the U.S recently and they came back shocked as to how racist the friends were being - ie: when showing them around the city they would make comments like "this is where the black people live, so we don't come here often" and just stereotyping.
I love the names Rachel and Leah... but I'm not Jewish... hmm...
I love the names Rachel and Leah... but I'm not Jewish... hmm...
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People do tend to gravitate towards others that they have something definite in common with. I personally find it a little bit boring and lonely. Sort of like talking to a mirror sometimes. Racism itself is a big problem where I am. It constantly amazes me how plainly stated it is without any kind of shame.
I don't know if the Rachel and Leah thing was a point you were trying to make or not, but I do sort of get it if you were. I do feel like there's a difference between using a name that's been adopted by American culture and one that's practically unknown to it, though I suppose that opinion is hardly justifiable if we're going strictly by culture. The Jewish/Hebrew names that I especially love are more along the lines of Keturah, Hadassah, Rivka, Avigail, Elisheva, etc. Not exactly common. I don't even have the excuse of being Christian and saying that I got it from the Bible or somesuch.
I don't know if the Rachel and Leah thing was a point you were trying to make or not, but I do sort of get it if you were. I do feel like there's a difference between using a name that's been adopted by American culture and one that's practically unknown to it, though I suppose that opinion is hardly justifiable if we're going strictly by culture. The Jewish/Hebrew names that I especially love are more along the lines of Keturah, Hadassah, Rivka, Avigail, Elisheva, etc. Not exactly common. I don't even have the excuse of being Christian and saying that I got it from the Bible or somesuch.
This message was edited 7/15/2011, 7:02 PM
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Yes, I was trying to make a point with Rachel & Leah. I had a roommate Rachel, her siblings were Sarah, Peter, and John. Being a name nerd I suspected that they referred to Biblical names and I was completely right. Rachel has a Mennonite background.
From the list that you gave I feel that Avigal would be seen as a creative spelling of Abigail my most. My name is Agata and I've been asked before if my parents misspelled my name (I prounounce Agata like Agatha without the H - so Agate-uh).
From the list that you gave I feel that Avigal would be seen as a creative spelling of Abigail my most. My name is Agata and I've been asked before if my parents misspelled my name (I prounounce Agata like Agatha without the H - so Agate-uh).
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Most people probably would assume that, except anyone who was actually Jewish and familiar with Jewish names. But then I'm assuming. In the end I suppose it really depends on the individual person's opinion, whether they'd be offended or honored. Who can count on either one?
Agata is a gorgeous name, by the way.
Agata is a gorgeous name, by the way.
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typo: Avigail*
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