Farida

[backformore]

Would this be an odd name to give to a girl if the family isn't Arabic-speaking or Muslim? I like the meaning and have some personal affinity with Urdu, but don't want to seem pretentious/appropriative! DH says it's too obviously Middle Eastern to work for us (we're both blonde-haired and blue-eyed, if it makes any difference). I'm wondering if it could work as Farah does, though (think Farrah Fawcett)...??

How do you pronounce it?

I really like it. I once taught a lovely Farishta (that's Persian though I think) and it reminds me of her. I can see it seeming a bit odd on a very non-Arab child, though.

I’m guessing far-ee-dah? Not my cup of tea but we are all different

I think Farah would give her an easier life

FA-rid-uh, I think... (emphasis at the beginning, like Farraday)

I think it's a name that you could get away with. Nowadays a lot of names with ah ending are being used.

I prefer Farrah.

It's nice but I think too many people would mispronounce it. I read it as Far-RID-a

Problem is, I already have a friend called Farah, so it might seem a bit odd using that name. I also prefer Farida. But if it's going to come with baggage...

I used to I know someone with this name, but she pronounced it fa-RI-da. Similar to Frida. I like it. I don't pay too much heed to 'cultural appropriation' as I think it's mainly nonsense. All cultures do it anyway.

Its Fa-ree-dah and a very grown up/strong sounding name for a baby. When I hear it here in and Arabic speaking country I always think - why?????

Why do you think Why?

Its a Muslim name. Very clearly so. I know a Farida Alam, Farida Islam and a Farida Akram. All three would be very surprised a bit to see someone clearly not from their background called this just because it sounds pretty. Please reconsider. Also I myself am brown skinned/Asian although an atheist, but born Hindu. I find it a bit strange when words from my culture and names from there are appropriated by western folk just because. I mean it would also be a bit funny if a Bengali couple in kolkata India suddenly named their son Max.

Why do you think Why?

Its in the first sentence of the post.

"I mean it would also be a bit funny if a Bengali couple in kolkata India suddenly named their son Max."

I know a Bengali Max :)

It's not just because it's pretty - we do have a very distant family connection (an ancestor of mine was the first person to compile an English-Urdu dictionary). But obviously most people wouldn't know that at first glance.

I think it is an odd choice, yes.

You may well know a Bengali max but he is unlikely to be residing and living in India. I assume you are western and living in the west and are presumably not resembling the appearance of a Farida?Hence, Please think before you appropriate names from cultures you don't belong to. It doesn't fit at a variety of levels and may not create the best experience for your child.

I've actually just come off the phone to a Farida and thought what an absolutely lovely name. She automatically spelt it out to me though which makes me think she has a bit of a problem with people understanding it.
I know of a non-asian family who have a daughter called Samira. A beautiful name is a beautiful name, regardless of what race/religion it originates from. I wouldn't find it weird at all.
That being said, Universities are receiving applications without names on them to stop any racial prejudice from occurring. This might be a concern to me.

Hence, Please think before you appropriate names from cultures you don't belong to. It doesn't fit at a variety of levels and may not create the best experience for your child.

Absolutely agree with this.

Thinking about this, and I'm not sure I agree. We live in a town with a large 'Asian' population, and have noticed that many families of Southern Asian descent are now naming their children typical British names, eg Ryan Patel, Mia Shetty, etc. So why cannot people of Western background use a Hindu or Muslim name, or indeed one from any other culture? As long as it doesn't have some sensitive religious significance like Mohamed, Cohen, etc., I can't see what the problem is.

Aren't cultures blending together a good thing?

I completely disagree that it's inappropriate and cultural appropriation. What about all the (hebrew) biblical names? I don't see a problem. I come from a mixed British-middle eastern background and think Layla, Farida, Nadia, etc, are all beautiful names and open to everyone.

Its a gorgeous name
Similar sounding would be Frieda, Corina, Serena
I don't know about cultural appropriation and those things - id hate to offend people by choosing a name with a nice meaning that sounded pretty.

I think it’s a nice name. But I think it would be odd to use it if you’re not from that background / culture and I’d steer clear for that reason. There are plenty of other nice names. If you’re determined, in terms of pronunciation, my colleague says Far-ee-dah.

Not too many problems.

To me it sounds like Frieda if you say it fast.

I know many Asian people with western names so why not.

Interesting mix of reactions - thanks, everyone!