Asher for a non-Jewish child?

[SarahAnderson]

Just that really. I LOVE the name. Love it. But we're not Jewish. Would you think it weird?

If is relevant, my husband, myself and our first daughter all have names which could be Jewish but aren't necessarily. (e.g. Leah, Rebecca). I just feel like maybe this one tips us over into, 'Why are you pretending you're Jewish when you're not?' territory.

[halcyondays]

Never heard of that name before so wouldn't have thought anything really.

[AppleSetsSail]

I wasn't even aware that it's a Jewish name! I really don't think there's any issue here. I've known a fair few non-Jewish Rebeccas in my time.

[WorraLiberty]

Jewish people don't own that name. No-one owns a name

If anyone's thick enough to assume you're pretending to be Jewish, just because you chose it, just laugh at them and don't entertain the silly question.

[DramaAlpaca]

If you love it, use it.

[AppleSetsSail]

I also think it's a darn cute name for a little boy.

[SarahAnderson]

Thanks.

To clarify I'm not saying 'Rebecca' is an exclusively Jewish name - it clearly isn't. (It IS a Jewish name, but it's also a Christian name.)

I guess I've just never heard of anyone called Asher who WASN'T Jewish.

[MerryMarigold]

My friends are not Jewish and have an Asher (boy). They are Christian though so it's a biblical name. I also know an Asha (girl) which is an Indian name. I think it's a great name.

[SarahAnderson]

It means 'happy' or 'blessed', and the nickname would be Ash, which I love (clearly I think more of the tree connotations than the smoking ones!)

[MerryMarigold]

I think you should go for it. I have a Jude which is a Jewish name originally (or Catholic after the saint) and I am neither.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

I like it, however in my accent Asher and Asha sound exactly the same.

[Hirosleaftunnel]

I once knew a Catholic Asher, he was hot. Thanks for bringing the memory back. lovely name.

[SarahAnderson]

Mine too :)
Whevs.

[SarahAnderson]

Oops, crosspost, I meant 'mine too' regarding the accent, not the hot Catholic!

[HostaFireandIce]

I know an Asher who's not Jewish. I think it's a great name, and anyway, it's no different from the plethora of Noahs and Isaacs. It's just a bit more original!

[BoxofSnails]

The old testament names don't get used exclusively by Jews - I say go for it. There are lots of Sarahs, Daniels, Josephs, Benjamins, etc in atheist, Christian families - most of the 'traditional' names have OT roots. It's a lovely name for a little boy.

[pinkmagic1]

I think if you are of Christian origin you can also use Jewish names as most are just old testament names. Asher is Lovely.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

Sarah

It doesn't bother me tbh just thought I'd mention it

[Juanbablo]

The only Asher I've heard of is part of a very Christian family. I wasn't aware it was a Jewish name. I have a Hebrew name but I am of no religion at all.

[Mouthfulofquiz]

I have accidentally given all of my boys completely catholic names, and we aren't Catholic... Well my MIL was, back when she was a schoolgirl.
Anyway - my point is, go for it - it's a great name!!

[AdjustableWench]

I think it might seem odd if you chose a Hebrew version of a name for your non-Jewish child, like Moshe, Shmuel or Yitzhak. Traditionally, Christians have used transliterations (Moses, Samuel or Isaac). And it would be really quite unusual if you chose a Yiddish version of a name, such as Yankel (Jacob), Dovid (David) etc.

But Asher is used by both Jewish and Christian communities, and their secular counterparts. And it's a lovely name!

[blueskyinmarch]

Asher is my MIL’s maiden name (so a surname). It is used by family members as a middle name. They family are not jewish at all as far as we are aware, and they have traced the family tree way far back many generations. I think it is a lovely name. Go for it.

[JacquesHammer]

My sister and I have both got Jewish names and we're not Jewish.

I don't think anyone would bat an eyelid.

Very lovely name

[Buttock]

Asher is also an Arabic name. It's my cousin's name.

[MLGs]

Asher is a beautiful name.

Had never heard of it til now but it's lovely.

[sunnydayinmay]

The Asher I know is not Jewish. In fact, his parents are very lapsed Christians. Cool name.