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Baby names

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

Original poster

Farida

65 replies

backformore · 08/01/2018 01:14

Would this be an odd name to give to a girl if the family isn't Arabic-speaking or Muslim? I like the meaning and have some personal affinity with Urdu, but don't want to seem pretentious/appropriative! DH says it's too obviously Middle Eastern to work for us (we're both blonde-haired and blue-eyed, if it makes any difference). I'm wondering if it could work as Farah does, though (think Farrah Fawcett)...??

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Original poster
backformore · 08/01/2018 15:06

"I mean it would also be a bit funny if a Bengali couple in kolkata India suddenly named their son Max."

I know a Bengali Max :)

It's not just because it's pretty - we do have a very distant family connection (an ancestor of mine was the first person to compile an English-Urdu dictionary). But obviously most people wouldn't know that at first glance.

OP posts:
Fionne · 08/01/2018 14:54

Why do you think Why?

Its in the first sentence of the post.

ontheedge99 · 08/01/2018 14:50

Its a Muslim name. Very clearly so. I know a Farida Alam, Farida Islam and a Farida Akram. All three would be very surprised a bit Hmm to see someone clearly not from their background called this just because it sounds pretty. Please reconsider. Also I myself am brown skinned/Asian although an atheist, but born Hindu. I find it a bit strange when words from my culture and names from there are appropriated by western folk just because. I mean it would also be a bit funny if a Bengali couple in kolkata India suddenly named their son Max.

Footle · 08/01/2018 14:50

Why do you think Why?

Fionne · 08/01/2018 14:48

Its Fa-ree-dah and a very grown up/strong sounding name for a baby. When I hear it here in and Arabic speaking country I always think - why?????

KalaLaka · 08/01/2018 14:45

I used to I know someone with this name, but she pronounced it fa-RI-da. Similar to Frida. I like it. I don't pay too much heed to 'cultural appropriation' as I think it's mainly nonsense. All cultures do it anyway.

Original poster
backformore · 08/01/2018 14:42

Problem is, I already have a friend called Farah, so it might seem a bit odd using that name. I also prefer Farida. But if it's going to come with baggage...

OP posts:
MoonfaceAndSilky · 08/01/2018 12:55

It's nice but I think too many people would mispronounce it. I read it as Far-RID-a

FreddieClaryHorshieLion · 08/01/2018 12:49

I prefer Farrah.

babba2014 · 08/01/2018 02:36

I think it's a name that you could get away with. Nowadays a lot of names with ah ending are being used.

Original poster
backformore · 08/01/2018 02:33

FA-rid-uh, I think... (emphasis at the beginning, like Farraday)

OP posts:
Glancearmstring · 08/01/2018 01:29

I think Farah would give her an easier life

iggleypiggly · 08/01/2018 01:20

I’m guessing far-ee-dah? Not my cup of tea but we are all different Smile

RavenWings · 08/01/2018 01:19

I really like it. I once taught a lovely Farishta (that's Persian though I think) and it reminds me of her. I can see it seeming a bit odd on a very non-Arab child, though.

Glancearmstring · 08/01/2018 01:18

How do you pronounce it?

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