When you think of the name Eli,

[Anonymous]

OP, you sound like you care a little too much about what people think of you, and you're being rude to people you ASKED to give you an opinion. And, while I may not agree, their opinion is that you sound prejudiced--and, by the way, I can see why they say that.

It's your kid, name it whatever you want, and stop asking other people to weigh in on his name. The kid is going to be self-conscious as it is, with a mom obsessed with what other people think of her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, you sound like you care a little too much about what people think of you, and you're being rude to people you ASKED to give you an opinion. And, while I may not agree, their opinion is that you sound prejudiced--and, by the way, I can see why they say that.

It's your kid, name it whatever you want, and stop asking other people to weigh in on his name. The kid is going to be self-conscious as it is, with a mom obsessed with what other people think of her.

ouch...

[Anonymous]

I'm part Jewish/Christian, and my husband and DD are Jewish. I don't usually take offense at things, but I did find this posting offensive in its choice of words.

What will you do if Eli runs home in tears because someone thought he was Jewish--he will have learned that is a thing to be concerned about FROM YOU. And, it sounds like you're saying Jewish names are weird--perhaps a semantic issue, but you need to carefully word your questions if you're going to be talking about these kinds of issues.

By the way, if you're going to put questions out there, try not to be a fucking bitch and call people crazy just because their responses don't tell you what a great person you are.

[Anonymous]

GOD FORBID someone think you or your son is Jewish. If you need people to validate your choices like this, I have to ask--are you a teen mom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, you sound like you care a little too much about what people think of you, and you're being rude to people you ASKED to give you an opinion. And, while I may not agree, their opinion is that you sound prejudiced--and, by the way, I can see why they say that.

It's your kid, name it whatever you want, and stop asking other people to weigh in on his name. The kid is going to be self-conscious as it is, with a mom obsessed with what other people think of her.

Well said.

And since you're apparently asking everyone on the planet to vote, I don't particularly like the name.

[Anonymous]

I think of hobbits.

[Anonymous]

OMG this forum is full of whack jobs. You're absolutely right, I'm terribly self-conscious and horribly prejudiced. Also, totally a teen mom. You pegged me.

[Anonymous]

Oh and just to clarify, I'm not afraid of people thinking my hypothetical son is Jewish, I was wondering if people would think it was odd that I chose the name, given that we are not Jewish. There is a big difference. Honestly, its like you cannot read. I sometimes wonder how people have jobs when they can't comprehend a few lines of text.

[Anonymous]

I didn't know Eli was a Jewish name. I always think of Eli Whitney, who invented the light bulb. Great name.

LOL!

[Anonymous]

I think you guys misunderstood OP and then just really ran with it. Or there are some seriously over sensitive people on this board. Well with regards to Jews anyway. She didn't mean it would be weird if someone thought her son was Jewish because of his name or that it would be a bad thing if they did. What she meant was along the same lines of someone naming their child Atsuko when you're not Japanese. It wouldn't be bad or horrible, just curious. No different than naming your kid Siobhan or *Declan when you're not Irish.

*This thread is about the name Declan. Please see this thread to fully realize how hypocritical people on DCUM are when it comes to the perceived Jewish offense as opposed to when it's an African American

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/105/58163.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG this forum is full of whack jobs. You're absolutely right, I'm terribly self-conscious and horribly prejudiced. Also, totally a teen mom. You pegged me.

And you're right here with us, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Eli was a Jewish name. I always think of Eli Whitney, who invented the light bulb. Great name.

Not sure if the PP meant to be funny but Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin (Edison invented the light bulb)

Now back to the OP's question. I'm Jewish and my Dad's name is Eli. He was born in Brooklyn and I think a lot of Northern Jewish boys were named Eli from his generation. That being said, I grew up in the South and it also happens to be a traditional name for southern boys (hence Eli Manning, Eli Whitney, etc.). So multiple groups have used it.

I think it's a great name OP, if you like it go for it.

[Anonymous]

OP...i think Eli is a great name. I had no idea it was jewish...in fact i'm going to keep the name in mind if i ever have another boy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn't know Eli was a Jewish name. I always think of Eli Whitney, who invented the light bulb. Great name.

(Edison invented the light bulb)

Nope. But he did improve it. Along with a team of people.

[Anonymous]

When I was naming my child, I wanted a name consistent with my ethnic background, so I can see nothing wrong with the OP's question.

That said, if you aren't southern, people are likely to assume your son is Jewish prior to meeting him (unless your last name is McDonnell or Manning, or something like that). It isn't anti-semetic to want your child's name to reveal who you are. In the end, it won't be a big deal, though. It isn't like you are choosing "Shmuel," or "Hillel."