Is anyone here Japanese and could answer a question for me please?

[Opinion4321]

Posted here for traffic!

My FIL is Japanese and his name is Ray. I’m expecting a baby this summer and my DH and I would really like to give the baby my FIL’s name as a middle name. If the baby is a boy, that’s obviously easy. However, if it’s a girl we thought we could potentially use the female spelling of the name. Would that be Rei or Rai? Would this be offensive in any way? I know some cultures don’t pass down family names if the person is still alive.

Then there’s the question about is it odd to name a girl after a man! He’s just such a lovely man we thought it would be nice.

Any insights and opinions gratefully received. Thank you

I'm not Japanese but I know of a Rae who is female.

Rae can be short for Rachel. Not Japanese though so can’t comment on that!

Rae would be the female spelling.

Rei Kawakubo is a female Japanese designer if that helps.

I live in Japan.

Do they follow any religion, Buddhist, Shinto?

@ReggaetonLente his parents were Buddhist but he’s lived in the UK since he was a child so I don’t think it’s something he actively practices now.

@AgentCooper thank you. My DH thinks the spelling should be Rei but then I googled and saw Rai.

I think Rae would be the English spelling which might be a safer option.

Whichever way you decide to spell it, it's a lovely idea op.

Agree its a lovely idea, from what i know there aren't any cultural no nos in doing this but could always run it by him before the baby is here?