Would people think this was a bizzare name choice?

Nadia - Biblical names like John & Mary are of course part of your culture and heritage. Yours is a Christian country. There is nothing more normal than Christian names in a Christian country, including some of your other examples, the names of earlier saints like Catherine.

Amira in Eastenders = mainstream

Prefer Mya & Amy

When I've met someone of, say, Muslim or Chinese origin with a Christian name, I have never thought "how silly/disrespectful"

My name is Persian, though modern usage puts it firmly in Israel. I'm Irish Catholic with red hair and freckles. It's really not a problem.

If you like it, use it! It's a pretty name.

Don't agree with those who say you should only use names from your 'own culture'. Names, like other words, if they are good ones, gradually will catch on internationally. Someone has to start the fashion.

Even John and Mary are ultimately changed forms of Hebrew names, from the Bible, and now we think of them as quintessentially English. Same is true for Elizabeth, Anne, etc. Other 'English' names are from the Greek, like Sophie, Helen, Katherine, etc.

If we could never introduce new names from other countries, then we'd still be calling our DCs names like Aethelryth or something.

If you like it but are not sure about using it as a first name use it as a middle name. IMO its nice to have a slightly more unusual middle name. Whats wrong with Mishca and Colleen out of interest Math?

I like the name Amina, its very pretty. Tbh yes I prob would wonder or ask if you are Muslim, but if you said no then i would just be like 'oh okay then' and accept it, it would not be a problem or anything. I think a lot of people would ask are you Muslim, or maybe presume you are so you would have to put up with that but if you like the name then why not.
I wouldn't really find it disrespectful or offensive to see a non muslim with the name, afterall immitation is like a flattery isn't it, its nicer to see someone with that name rather than seeing someone stomping around saying 'oh look those muslims give their kids all foreign names how disgusting' or something like that (obviously that is not the only 2 options i know)

Good points Cote. I think it's not entirely respectful of the culture from which the name is nabbed to choose it just on the basis that you like the sound of it, plus you run the risk of getting it wrong. This is how names like Mischa or Colleen get used as girls' names.

This is consumerism, pure and simple. "I want it, I get it, I use it" is all great when you are talking about buying household appliances but when naming a person, would you not rather choose something from their own culture and heritage? A name they can relate to and be proud of, rather than something at has no reference in your world and will give the wrong message about your child until the end of her life? ("No, I'm not Muslim. Yes, I know it's a Muslim name. No, I have no idea why my parents did this")

"Have had only really nice comments from african people"

Nobody is going to want to offend you by saying "How silly" to your face, naturally.

haven't seen/read the magic key for about five years.

If everyone stuck with "suitable" names, we would all be called John or Mary. If you like it, go for it!

I don't see why one should object to a white person using a Muslim name when Jewish names (Ezra, Saul, Amos, Daniel) are deemed acceptable. French names, American names and Irish names are also seemingly fine. Clearly, names aren't geographically or religiously exclusive. If you want to use it, do.

I named my son a very african name and we are both white british. Have had only really nice comments from african people (a couple of parents at ds's school and a few friends) who thought it was nice that we named him what we did. If you like the name, go for it. I don't think that names are restricted to certain cultures/ethnic groups.

i absolutely hate it when people here say you shouldn't use a name because you're not from that country/faith i've seen it with irish names too, 'if you're not irish i don't think its suitable' pardon me?? 'not suitable' gosh! choose a name you like and go for it, i know plenty of muslim children/people with 'english' names

my dd's name is from the bible and is therefore hebrew... we're not hebrew but no one questions that!

If you both like it then you should use it. It's a very pretty name. I have also met several little boys in gambia, from muslim families, with what we might deem "christian" or "western" names - on the whole they are named after Man Utd or Arsenal players!! . My point being that the names didn't seem out of place or wrong.

I had similar feelings before naming my son Solomon but I don't think anyone has thought it a strange name choice due to it being Jewish, theyve just thought it different. If you are not muslim people wont assume you are muslim and I dont think names can be pinched from a faith. An african Christopher wouldnt be odd at all

I have a niece called Amara, i wasnt keen at first but its grown on me. My SIL said her other choice was Amari...also thought magic key character is Aneena?

Isn't the Magic Key character called Aneena?

Almera was the name of the car

Amina is lovely

Amino acid.

It's fine if you live in England. In a muslim country she will be presumed to be muslim.
For the record, I know a muslim boy called Kevin.

How about just Mina?

It is a nice name. For Muslim girls.

What would you say to a Muslim family in Africa calling their baby boy "Christopher"?