A Jew named Mary?
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Anonymous
| I've always liked the name Mary, but we're very much a Jewish family. It's not a common name among (even secular) Jews for an obvious reason. I guess I'm just wondering how odd it would be. Our last name is identifiably Jewish, so that is my main concern. I just don't want her full name to sound like a bad stand-up comedy joke to others. I know that Miriam is an option, but I don't like it as much. We already have daughters named Naomi, Malkah, and Tovah. We considered Mary for each of our other daughters but ended up not going with it every time. |
Anonymous
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My kids have names from each of their 3 cultures (two Asian, one white European). Their whole name reflects who they are.
If the Jewish religion, Jesus was a prophet, right? So his mother's name can be used just like any other. |
Anonymous
| Well, she'll forever have an icebreaker when meeting new people. |
Anonymous
+1. Yeah, that’s just weird. |
Anonymous
I believe Islam is the religion that believes Jesus was a prophet. I think Jesus is considered a regular man in Judaism. Don't quote me though. I'm not Jewish. |
Anonymous
No, in the Jewish religion Jesus was not a prophet. I think you are thinking of Islam. And yes, that’s one of the very few no-go names for a Jewish kid, along with Christian and Mohammed. |
Anonymous
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A Jewish couple I knew liked the name Aidan/Aiden, but said "We can't name our kid that." They changed the spelling to something that isn't so Irish/Catholic but pronounced similarly.
I suppose you could try that approach and consider Maree or Merree or Mari or something. But Mary would definitely be weird. |
Anonymous
Jesus is a no-go name, but why Mary, or Marie, or Mari or any version of it? It's so tiresome when people limit themselves because of imaginary constraints... Imagine a Jewish-Christian household. Do they get to mix names? I mean, you're all being ridiculous. Pick the name you want! |
Anonymous
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As a Jew with a very non-Jewish name - don’t do it. My whole life, everyone has assumed I’m not Jewish or a convert. Which isn’t the end of the world but it gets tedious. When I got married the rabbi grilled me about whether I was sure I wasn’t a convert, because of my name.
If you must call her Mary, then name her Miriam and use Mary as a nickname. Also your other kids have very religious sounding Jewish names and if you add Mary, people will think she’s adopted and not converted. With Miriam, even nicknamed Mary, they won’t think that. |
Anonymous
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Miriam nn Miri? Or Mari?
I think Mary might be a no go but Miri, Mare,Mari all sound very similar and you could get it from Miriam. |
Anonymous
I have met a French Jewish Marie. At least one so it’s not unheard of. There’s no difference between Marie and Mary. I think if it’s a name you like, then go for it. |
Anonymous
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My name is Kristen, and I'm Jewish. (Go look up the meaning of Kristen.) My parents just liked the name.
As a child, I did sometimes feel jealous that all of my siblings got Jewish names. As an adult, it can be a pain because I'm religious. |
Anonymous
| As a gentile, I'd see the last name and think Jewish but then I'd think, no, the first name Mary means not Jewish and was chosen to make that clear (I mean, if you have one of those German names that go either way). |
Anonymous
| Don’t do it. Your kids have SUCH Jewish names- this one would feel othered. |
Anonymous
| Newsflash, Mary was a Jew. |