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Original poster

Can we use this name even if we are not related to its origins?

31 replies

UpperDesk · 08/06/2020 18:31

Zev

Really crushing on this name. Love the meaning of "wolf". It's easy to spell, pronounce and short enough to stay as a full name and not turn into any nn. However we have no connection to Israel or Judaism which just about happens to be its origins (please correct me if I'm wrong).

Would it be wrong to use it? We wouldn't want to cause any harm or look pretentious at all by using a name we have no real connection to?

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samG76 · 08/06/2020 23:08

I know 4-5 Ze'evs (Jewish area). The youngest one is "Zev" as his parents didn't want an apostrophe in the middle of a name, or to have people pronounce it like "sieve"

Hockeyboysmum · 08/06/2020 22:10

Love it

Original poster
UpperDesk · 08/06/2020 22:07

I'm quite surprised by everyone's positive reactions to the name! I heard it ages ago and for some reason it didn't come back to my mind until today and I'm so happy it did.

OP posts:
Hanab · 08/06/2020 22:06

It’s a name .. you love? Use it! Better than some names people come up with! It’s a lovely name

Cotswoldmama · 08/06/2020 21:49

Love it. my sons name is Reuben, which is apparently Jewish or biblical or both? I don't know I'm atheist but loved the name!

OnABeachSomewhere · 08/06/2020 21:33

It's a great name. I think it's fine to be inspired by other cultures. The wolf meaning is good too.

Orphlids · 08/06/2020 21:27

Ooh, I really like Zev! Great sound, very cool!

AnneBullen · 08/06/2020 21:20

Could you use the Irish spelling? Coen or Cohan?

Original poster
UpperDesk · 08/06/2020 21:14

MrsTerryPratchett
I feel the same way about the name Cohen. Absolutely love it but would definitely not use it for its actual meaning and importance for the Jewish community. It will always be the name that got away.

Lynda07
The original spelling is much nicer but would be an absolute nightmare to live with in an area where it's a very unknown name. I happen to work with wildlife and nature so I really would like my DC to have some slight connection to that. I also love the actual names Wolf, Fox and Bear.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 08/06/2020 21:03

Wolves are intelligent, family oriented, beautiful and I think noble. What's not to like? Better than all the flower names girls get saddled with.

Crabbo · 08/06/2020 21:00

I love it, I’ve never heard it before. Not having a connection to the name origin wouldn’t bother me at all.

nubeejinnings · 08/06/2020 20:55

A nickname may be Zevvie or Zevo.

Haggisfish · 08/06/2020 20:50

Well there you go-you learn something new every day.

Lynda07 · 08/06/2020 20:44

It's alright for a boy I suppose. I prefer it spelled 'Ze'ev', but it's a bit too out there. Why would you want to name your child after a wolf anyway? He'll be a human being.

MrsTerryPratchett · 08/06/2020 20:39

Haha everyone got there first.

ParadiseLaundry · 08/06/2020 20:39

I think it sounds great (but I secretly love the name wolf anyway!)

MrsTerryPratchett · 08/06/2020 20:39

Because @Haggisfish (love the name BTW) it's a surname that denotes someone's ancestors were priests at the Temple of Jerusalem. It's very specific and I feel like that's going a little far. I don't like Bodhi, Mohammed or Jesus for non-religious types either. Seems a little disrespectful.

Everyone makes their own assessment though. That's just me.

BlueEggsAndSpam · 08/06/2020 20:38

Cohen is a religious title in Judaism - not a given name.

AnneBullen · 08/06/2020 20:37

@Haggisfish, Cohens are the traditional high priests in Judaism. Being a Cohen carries certain responsibilities and duties even now.

DramaAlpaca · 08/06/2020 20:36

I quite like it.

Susanna85 · 08/06/2020 20:34

Seff also means wolf.. I think

Haggisfish · 08/06/2020 20:34

Why not Cohen? I think it’s nice! @mrsterrypratchett

Spacerader · 08/06/2020 20:34

Its a nice name. If you like it use it.

MrsTerryPratchett · 08/06/2020 20:32

I like it and I like Lev too.

There are absolutely masses of Hebrew names in use. I draw the line at Cohen but generally most are fine.

Susanna85 · 08/06/2020 20:31

Loads of names that are currently popular are hebrew and some quite traditionally jewish.

I wouldn't worry. I like the meaning Wolf too.

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