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Baby names

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

Original poster

Sanskrit name for a Pakistani baby?

64 replies

Abitofadilemma · 25/03/2021 15:12

I love Sanskrit names & I’m totally non-religious, we like many aspects of eastern spirituality (Buddhism & Hinduism) and I personally love the stories behind the names. However, is it a big no no to give future DD a Sanskrit name if we are not technically Hindu & Indian? Our families are Muslim/ Pakistani. We don’t really like any of the more “neutral names” and I have my heart set on a few Sanskrit names that I love which DH also likes. The names I like are quite strongly associated to the Hindu religion, some of them have indirect associations to goddesses. Neither of us have an issue with it because we are both very open minded and like all religions! I can see this might be quite controversial though and perhaps uncomfortable for DD growing up? I’m so confused & don’t know if I’m just going round in circles in my mind needlessly making a bit deal out of nothing!

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heyjude12 · 25/03/2021 21:34

Abitofadilemma
I think that a lot of Hindus would still find it offensive. As a faith we have been mocked and oppressed because of our faith and beliefs that we are generally very protective of it.
Things like yoga and meditation are no longer treated as of Hindu teachings and tbh that is just an example of why we feel so fed up with appropriation.

Obviously this is my family and friendship circle.

heyjude12 · 25/03/2021 21:28

Also Aisha is also a Hindu name meaning light

heyjude12 · 25/03/2021 21:27

Drainrat op asked for opinions. I gave mine. You gave yours. I didn't get all PA with yours. I find it offensive. I find all cultural and religious appropriation offensive. I am allowed to. So DFOD

drainrat · 25/03/2021 21:17

I’m trying very hard to avoid the Bodhi name thread, but it’s not because I’m offended Wink.

drainrat · 25/03/2021 21:16

“Deeply offensive and inappropriate?” Wow, that’s a lot of emotion to invest in someone else’s choice of baby name.

I wonder what Pakistanis thought of the Rajmata of Jaipur being called Ayesha.

Original poster
Abitofadilemma · 25/03/2021 21:07

@drainrat there are quite a few names, we haven’t narrowed down to one yet. Tbh I’ve been so worried about mentioning them to anyone, DH and I have been the only ones discussing them privately. It’s such a sensitive topic!
@heyjude12 We don’t follow any specific religion per se but if I said that we incorporate many aspects of Hindu philosophy into our lives & that it is a very important part of our spiritual practice, would it still be seen as offensive? We don’t practice any of the rituals or attend any prayer ceremonies at the moment but would love to, it is still something that we are fairly new to! I in particular am very inspired & moved by what I’m learning. I just thought it would be nice for DD to have a name that reflects our beliefs & what is important to us. An Arab name or names that are commonly used by Muslim/ Pakistani communities just don’t represent who we are as a family... but it’s just so unusual to do this so I can understand why many people would find it weird. I guess it’s more common in western cultures to use names that once had a strong religious association but now are used by people from all walks of life!

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heyjude12 · 25/03/2021 20:15

As a Hindu I would find this deeply offensive and inappropriate.

Also a huge percentage of punjabis are Hindu. Myself included.

One of my very favourite names is a Muslim name but I felt that as I dont follow that faith it would be disrespectful

drainrat · 25/03/2021 19:51

Hinduism isn’t a religion, it’s a philosophy. I was brought up a devout Hindu and there are still elements I think or do differently (or not at all) even from my own siblings.

What’s the name you were thinking of?

KistenBlest · 25/03/2021 19:22

Some of them do. Shiva or Devi are goddesses.
It's not the same as using a biblical name without being Christian, because Britain was a Christian country for centuries,

Lots of biblical names are mainstream among non-Christians. Names like Michael, John, Elizabeth and Sarah.

Milkshake7489 · 25/03/2021 19:15

Do Sanskrit names have any specific religious connotations? If not so different to naming a child Freya or using a biblical name without being Christian which is really commonplace.

Maybe check with some practising Hindus and Buddhists if you want to make sure you/she won't unwittingly cause offence Smile.

partyatthepalace · 25/03/2021 18:57

I think if you aren’t religious and the circles you mix in aren’t either then I can’t see it’s a big deal, just that maybe people might assume your baby has Indian heritage. Names travel so much and crop up in similar forms in quite different cultures that I personally think it’s fine to make pretty free with them.

KirstenBlest · 25/03/2021 18:49

Unless the name is deeply religious don't worry about it.

If the names are mainstream, it shouldn't be a problem but might cause lots of 'is your mum indian' type questions.

Original poster
Abitofadilemma · 25/03/2021 18:23

@KirstenBlest Thanks for the input! Luckily we are not in a very religious community, which makes it a bit easier.

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KirstenBlest · 25/03/2021 16:06

Use the name you like.
I know someone who is a hindu whose child has a punjabi name. A muslim friend has a very indian surname.

It might be an issue if you are in a strongly religious community and the firs name has a strong significance in a difference religion.

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