Is this name offensive?

[ButtonTum]

Not normally one to give a rat's arse what others think, but there are special circumstances around this one.

I'm expecting DC2, a girl. I love the name India Maeve for her.

However SIL is of Indian heritage. Is it offensive? I'm also in two minds with the links to "the great British empire" and our colonial past. Wouldn't want anyone thinking I was a fan of slavery, etc.. thoughts?

Ask your SIL.

Ask your SiL.

Yes I would just ask her. It is a lovely name in my opinion.

I find it a little odd when people use it without some actual connection to the place.

I don't think it's great, and especially not with the family connection. Personally, I would just pick another name.

I think it's lovely and its definitely accepted as a stand alone name these days. But.... yes, talk to her.

It's a pretty name. It's not offensive to use a name that's a place name. Indian people are not generally offended by references to India, the way New Yorkers wouldn't be offended that David Beckham used Brooklyn. They might find it unusual, I suppose, the way I'd find it unusual if someone Indian called their child London. India is an established name in its own right. Noone 'owns' it.

I'm of Indian heritage and it wouldn't occur to me to be offended. As a previous poster said it is a proper name.

It’s now an established proper name and if a thing denotes that the parents have a liking/respect/admiration for the subcontinent

Indie Maeve instead?

She might be quite happy with it and like the idea

Ask her what she thinks of the name and whether it could even be on your shortlist - find out what she thinks of those with no Indian heritage using it etc.

I’m not a fan of it but you don’t need to ask her - in fact by asking I think you’re putting the idea into her head that it’s offensive. It’s a totally normal name which is quite common now

I love Maeve. DH vetoed it.

I missed the name 'India' in your post and started googling why someone Indian would be offended by the name 'Maeve'?!

Ask your SIL, but IMO India is a name in its own right

That's so weird... I know a little girl with that name! Her dad is Indian and her mum is white.

They call her Indie for short.

My niece is called India and Indian people always say how amazing the name is!

India is not common but it’s not rare either. I think it’s fine. We called our dog India. My dad was born there (back in the 20s).

As in her name is India Maeve!

Is she Indian or of Indian origin. I am of Indian origin and would never consider using India as a name as it’s a bit cringe, but people born and brought up in India seem to love it.

Name your child whatever you want.

People will find anything to be offended about regardless.

What about Indigo or Indiana?

That said, India is a name so I do think it would be odd if your SIL was offended.

Years ago I knew a couple of girls called Paris, I don't think any French people were offended.

@small2018 that's such a coincidence! Can't be very many of them

SIL was born in the Uk but her parents were born and brought up in India.