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Baby names

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

Original poster

Safiya - girl name

85 replies

Elambert83 · 02/04/2021 19:04

Hi

I am liking the name Safiya (pronounced Sah-fee-ya.

What are peoples thoughts?

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PandaFluff · 03/04/2021 12:03

Pretty name

chilliplant634 · 03/04/2021 11:22

Why is it cultural appropriation?

Cultural appropriation involves the reinforcing of stereotypes, a conflict with the intended use of the thing and takes credit or compensation from the original creators.

The OP is doing none of the above. She just likes the name!

The only downside to the name is that initially people may mistakenly associate the child with being a muslim. That is generally not perceived to be a positive thing these days.

M0rT · 03/04/2021 11:04

I like it and don't see a problem with a name from another culture, especially as you will be pronouncing it as it is supposed to be pronounced.
Definitely don't change her middle name from Karen because it's not popular now. If you're naming in honour of someone then you use their actual name!

Amdone123 · 03/04/2021 10:57

I quite like it, but it sounds so much like Sophia..
If you like it, that's all that matters. And keep Karen as a middle name. Don't change it.

KirstenBlest · 03/04/2021 10:54

It's pretty but she will be asked if she is muslim, and it will be mixed up with Sophia

CakesOfVersailles · 03/04/2021 09:17

Makes me think of Safiya Nygaard - she is the only Safiya I have heard of.

I like the name, be aware it might be misheard as Sophia sometimes.

daisypond · 03/04/2021 09:15

@Elambert83

I wouldn't have Sophia as I have 2 nieces called Sophie. I might be being stupid but I don't get what the problem is with using other culture names. I will bear it in mind but surely the objections have to be backed up with more than that...
The problem is to do with cultural appropriation. Some names from other cultures are fully assimilated but others aren’t. It’s a complex argument.
Flittingaboutagain · 03/04/2021 09:12

Look up "can a baby name be cultural appropriation?" OP if you would like to see the more nuanced aspects of naming a baby outside of your culture.

AnnaSW1 · 02/04/2021 22:17

It's not an objection though... it's just an assumption that you would be Muslim

RainingBatsAndFrogs · 02/04/2021 22:12

One of my Dc’s had a Safiya in the class. An African Caribbean child and not Muslim / Arabic

Since no one knew it was an Arabic name no one barred an eyelid.

And anyway loads of Arabic / Muslim names are now assimilated, as well as Hindu, Hebrew, etc.

Good name.

chilliplant634 · 02/04/2021 22:03

OP I don't think there is anything "wrong" with using it at all if you like it.

MeadowHay · 02/04/2021 21:53

I'm from a Muslim background and no one I know would be bothered about you using a typically Muslim name. Like others have said I would assume a Safiya was from a Muslim background but I wouldnt think too much of it either way. I know at least one who isn't from a Muslim family now anyway as the name becomes more popular.

Original poster
Elambert83 · 02/04/2021 21:48

I wouldn't have Sophia as I have 2 nieces called Sophie.
I might be being stupid but I don't get what the problem is with using other culture names. I will bear it in mind but surely the objections have to be backed up with more than that...

OP posts:
TatianaBis · 02/04/2021 21:44

It's a bit odd if you're not Muslim as everyone will assume DD is.

Why not Sophia?

Time2b33 · 02/04/2021 21:30

Absolute fun beautiful. I know a 3 year old with this name. Also know a Safina which is lovely!

Susie477 · 02/04/2021 21:23

👍🏽

Zarinea · 02/04/2021 21:21

Love it. Was on our shortlist.

We're a Muslim family, and if someone without that connection used it I'd be surprised but not find it weird.

RachelRavenRoth · 02/04/2021 21:05

I went to uni with a safiya. Lovely name.

AnnaSW1 · 02/04/2021 21:01

I'd assume you were Muslim using that name. I always say if you love it then use it.

Cakepop9 · 02/04/2021 20:47

Safiya is lovely but Karen doesn’t seem to go with it at all, it’s also dropping in popularity and has quite negative connotations now. Maybe Kara as a tribute instead?

Dunairbeanat · 02/04/2021 20:32

Beautiful name but having known one it often gets mispronounced as sufiya which really annoyed the person I know.

Original poster
Elambert83 · 02/04/2021 20:26

Partyatthepalace

I am interested to know why you feel that it would be slightly odd to use if not arabic, can you elaborate?

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 02/04/2021 20:00

It's lovely.

daisypond · 02/04/2021 19:59

It’s nice. I know one (Muslim). It might get misheard for Sophia at times.

partyatthepalace · 02/04/2021 19:58

It’s lovely but I think it’s slightly odd if you aren’t of Muslim/Arabic descent or have some connection to that part of the world - so I would personally use a similar name like Sophia, Serena, Seraphina etc