Asher

[Ca55andraMortmain]

I love the name Asher for a boy. If you heard it, would you assume he came from a Jewish family? We aren't Jewish and don't have any Jewish ancestry but our surname does sound like we might (think Goldman or similar). Dh says we can't use it because it's like cultural appropriation, especially with our last name. What do you think?

No, I wouldn't assume anything, it's a very nice name.😄

I wouldn't

No, maybe in the past but it's very common to use Hebrew names use whatever your background. Asher may well become as mainstream as Noah and Isaac.

Names all have their origins somewhere though (Amy is French, Eva is Hebrew, I think), I wouldn't worry about that too much. Surely using the name because you like it would be a compliment anyway?

I like the sound of Asher and the potential nickname of Ash.

To be honest, I didn't even know it had Jewish origin. I really like this name though - it's on my list for boys.

Oh God no! Ashers is the name of the Christian bakers in Belfast that were taken to court for being homophobic.

The Asher I know is from a very religious Christian family. I think it's a great name, and I don't think anyone will think of the homophobic bakers!

I've always liked it and am more likely to think of Anne Rice's vampire than anything else, although not so strongly that that's the only association.
Actually, wonder where it was hiding in my brain when I was choosing names for DS, dammit!

Oh I had never heard of ashers the bakers. But I guess I wouldn't automatically think of the baker if I met a child called Greg so hopefully it wouldn't be too much of an association!

Ignore me. I live about a mile from their shop so it's my top thought! I get that most people wouldn't have that connection!

I love it. I knew an Asha - African lad. I think it's just a gorgeous name

I like the name but it makes me think of Usher.

We have an Asher. We've mostly had positive responses except for a couple of people when he was first born who insisted it's a girls' name. Including one woman at PILs church who looked very confused when I pointed out it's the name of one of Joseph's brother in the Bible!

I love it. It's my favourite of our DC's names, so far... We've got another one imminent & I love the name we're considering for her nearly as much!

That's weird it's not a girls name

I know a couple of Ashers and both are Jewish. I would assume your boy was, but frankly does that matter?

Actually all the guys called Ash I've met have been Indian and I immediately assume it's an Indian nickname - for Asha? Not sure. Would not assume Jewish, it's definitely a name that's open to all.

I love it. Am Jewish and I think it's fine for anyone. It's not like it's Cohen.

I don't know any but knew a little girl called Asha and loved the name for her. I think it's nice and makes a change from Ashley

Thanks everyone! That's reassuring. Next is to decide if I care about the fact that some people will pronounce it 'asha' depending on their accent!

It's a lovely name. I might be unable to prevent myself from saying Zebulon and Gad took the total to nine the first time I heard it but that is no indictment!

Gad really shit out on the name's front, didn't he? Mind you Naphtali (sp?) isn't great either. The rest are pretty cool though.

I like asher op.

Asher-boy
Asha-girl

I’d assume it was Jewish yes

Where I am from, everyone who is called Asher is Jewish but that wouldn't stop me from using it. It is a lovely name. It means happiness.

I might assume Jewish. It's a lovely name.

I also like Asa