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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Asher

29 replies

Ca55andraMortmain · 29/09/2017 17:53

I love the name Asher for a boy. If you heard it, would you assume he came from a Jewish family? We aren't Jewish and don't have any Jewish ancestry but our surname does sound like we might (think Goldman or similar). Dh says we can't use it because it's like cultural appropriation, especially with our last name. What do you think?

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BakedBeans47 · 01/10/2017 13:10

I would add it’s a lovely name and I would still use it

Yika · 01/10/2017 12:13

No, I wouldn't think it was Jewish. I just think of it as a Biblical name. I think it's a lovely name.

Expemsiveuniform · 01/10/2017 12:13

Homophobic baker here too, sorry!

bridgetreilly · 01/10/2017 12:11

I would assume Jewish too, but that doesn't mean you can't use it.

NotAgainYoda · 01/10/2017 10:31

I might assume Jewish. It's a lovely name.

I also like Asa

mrsgumpy · 01/10/2017 10:29

Where I am from, everyone who is called Asher is Jewish but that wouldn't stop me from using it. It is a lovely name. It means happiness.

BakedBeans47 · 30/09/2017 11:36

I’d assume it was Jewish yes

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 30/09/2017 11:35

Asher-boy
Asha-girl

ClashCityRocker · 30/09/2017 10:20

Gad really shit out on the name's front, didn't he? Mind you Naphtali (sp?) isn't great either. The rest are pretty cool though.

I like asher op.

Zoll · 30/09/2017 10:02

It's a lovely name. I might be unable to prevent myself from saying Zebulon and Gad took the total to nine the first time I heard it but that is no indictment! Wink

Original poster
Ca55andraMortmain · 30/09/2017 09:59

Thanks everyone! That's reassuring. Next is to decide if I care about the fact that some people will pronounce it 'asha' depending on their accent!

OP posts:
PinkFlamingo888 · 29/09/2017 23:30

I don't know any but knew a little girl called Asha and loved the name for her. I think it's nice and makes a change from Ashley

Loveisthelaw · 29/09/2017 22:45

I love it. Am Jewish and I think it's fine for anyone. It's not like it's Cohen.

Mclaren37 · 29/09/2017 22:24

Actually all the guys called Ash I've met have been Indian and I immediately assume it's an Indian nickname - for Asha? Not sure. Would not assume Jewish, it's definitely a name that's open to all.

FanDabbyFloozy · 29/09/2017 21:30

I know a couple of Ashers and both are Jewish. I would assume your boy was, but frankly does that matter?

Queenofthedrivensnow · 29/09/2017 21:24

That's weird it's not a girls name

BarbaraManatee · 29/09/2017 20:40

We have an Asher. We've mostly had positive responses except for a couple of people when he was first born who insisted it's a girls' name. Including one woman at PILs church who looked very confused when I pointed out it's the name of one of Joseph's brother in the Bible!

I love it. It's my favourite of our DC's names, so far... We've got another one imminent & I love the name we're considering for her nearly as much!

stopbeingadramallama · 29/09/2017 20:19

I like the name but it makes me think of Usher.

Queenofthedrivensnow · 29/09/2017 20:18

I love it. I knew an Asha - African lad. I think it's just a gorgeous name

KindleBueno · 29/09/2017 19:14

Ignore me. I live about a mile from their shop so it's my top thought! I get that most people wouldn't have that connection!

Original poster
Ca55andraMortmain · 29/09/2017 18:58

Oh I had never heard of ashers the bakers. But I guess I wouldn't automatically think of the baker if I met a child called Greg so hopefully it wouldn't be too much of an association!

OP posts:
Saucery · 29/09/2017 18:57

I've always liked it and am more likely to think of Anne Rice's vampire than anything else, although not so strongly that that's the only association.
Actually, wonder where it was hiding in my brain when I was choosing names for DS, dammit! Grin

SumAndSubstance · 29/09/2017 18:53

The Asher I know is from a very religious Christian family. I think it's a great name, and I don't think anyone will think of the homophobic bakers!

KindleBueno · 29/09/2017 18:50

Oh God no! Ashers is the name of the Christian bakers in Belfast that were taken to court for being homophobic.

Smoliver · 29/09/2017 18:45

To be honest, I didn't even know it had Jewish origin. I really like this name though - it's on my list for boys.

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