Hebrew Baby Names

Hebrew Names

Hebrew names started to compete with names from other languages early on in Jewish history. As far back as the Talmudic period, 200 B.C.E. to 500 C.E., many Jews gave their children Aramaic, Greek and Roman names.

Later, during the Middle Ages in Eastern Europe, it became customary for Jewish parents to give their children two names. A secular name for use in the gentile world, and a Hebrew name for religious purposes.

Hebrew names are used for calling men to the Torah. Certain prayers, such as the memorial prayer or the prayer for the sick, also use the Hebrew name. Legal documents, such as the marriage contract or ketubah, use the Hebrew name.

Today, many American Jews give their children both English and Hebrew names. Often the two names start with the same letter. For instance, Blake's Hebrew name might be Boaz and Lindsey's might be Leah. Sometimes the English name is the English version of the Hebrew name, like Jonah and Yonah or Eva and Chava.

The two main sources for Hebrew names for today's Jewish babies are older Biblical names and modern Israeli names.

ForMore Information see Hebrew Baby Names

brit milah

While brit milah is performed for newborn boys, there is no corresponding formal birth ceremony for baby girls. Traditionally, newborn girls have been given their Jewish names in a simple naming ceremony in the synagogue. To many people, the disparity between the elaborate birth rite for boys and the brief naming rite for girls seems unequal in this day and age, to say the least.
In response, many new birth ceremonies for infant girls have been introduced in recent years. Because it is not yet part of the liturgy, there are no standard, agreed upon elements for the ceremony. Indeed, even the name of the ceremony is undecided—simchat bat ("the rejoicing of the daughter"), brit habat ("covenant of the daughter") and brit kedusha ("the covenant of holiness") are all routinely used.
Simchat bat is often celebrated on the eighth day of life, as for a brit. However, many parents choose to wait several weeks to a month after birth before performing the ceremony

Brit milah

Today, circumcision—the removal of all or part of the foreskin covering the glans of the penis—is routine for many babies, whether Jewish or not. For non-Jews it is most often performed for hygienic reasons. But for Jews, circumcision is a ritual with deep religious and cultural significance. Brit milah, which literally means "covenant of circumcision," symbolizes the child's entry into the community of Israel and is a reminder of the covenant between God and the Children of Israel.
The ritual of circumcision is the most widely observed commandment among Jews, both past and present. Indeed, the pages of history are filled with stories of Jews who, during times of persecution, risked everything, even their lives, to fulfill the mitzvah of brit. Where did the practice of ritual circumcision come from? And why would so many follow the commandment, especially when risking so much?

For additionalinformation
http://hebrewbabyname.blogspot.com/

Does the name's meaning affect the future character and life of a baby

To begin with, generally we Ashkenazim name after a deceased relative and it is her/his qualities that are being remembered, and not the general "meanings" of a name.


So No dont worry

Mazal Tov and B'sha'ah Tovah. May all go well and in good health for mother and child.

Why Give a Hebrew Name?

Hebrew names are used for calling people to the Torah. Certain prayers, such as the memorial prayer or the prayer for the sick, use the Hebrew name. Legal documents, such as the marriage contract or ketubah, also use the Hebrew name. Orthodox Jews and Israelis often give their children a Hebrew name, and that name is used for both everyday and religious purposes.Elsewhere it has become customary for Jewish parents to give their children two names - a secular name for use in the gentile world and a Hebrew name for religious purposes. How To Give a Hebrew NameOften parents choose Hebrew names that start with the same letter as the secular name. For instance, Blake's Hebrew name might be Boaz and Lindsey's might be Leah. Sometimes the secular name is an interpretation of the Hebrew name, like Jonah for Yonah and Eva for Chava. Similarly, the names might share meaning, like Justin and Daniel.And sometimes the English and Hebrew names are not connected in any way. Lisa's Hebrew name might be Sara. The two main sources for Hebrew names for today's Jewish babies are older Biblical names and modern Israeli names.


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Can Ashkenazi Jews name a child after a living relative

It has become an Ashkenazi custom to name a new baby after a relative that has passed away. This keeps the name and memory alive, and in a metaphysical way forms a bond between the soul of the baby and the deceased relative. However, it is by no means forbidden to give a child the same name as a living relative. The living relative should be asked permission.

How do I choose a Hebrew name for my baby?

Often parents choose Hebrew names that start with the same letter as the secular name.
For instance, Blake's Hebrew name might be Boaz and Lindsey's might be Leah. Sometimes the secular name is an interpretation of the Hebrew name, like Jonah for Yonah and Eva for Chava. And sometimes there is no connection between the Hebrew and secular names; My parents gave me the English name of Lisa because they like it, and the Hebrew name of Sara in memory of my great-grandmother.


The two main sources for Hebrew names for today's Jewish babies are older Biblical names and modern Israeli names. This online resource on Hebrew names can help you in choosing a Hebrew name.