Can we use this name even if we are not related to its origins?

[UpperDesk]

Zev

Really crushing on this name. Love the meaning of "wolf". It's easy to spell, pronounce and short enough to stay as a full name and not turn into any nn. However we have no connection to Israel or Judaism which just about happens to be its origins (please correct me if I'm wrong).

Would it be wrong to use it? We wouldn't want to cause any harm or look pretentious at all by using a name we have no real connection to?

I think the pregnancy hormones are screwing with you.

Sounds too much like a nickname for me.

How are pregnancy hormones even slightly related to this? It's a genuine name. I didn't just make it up?

Well I like it and I think if you like it go ahead and use it op.

My own name is Hebrew and I definitely have no links to that heritage. My mil name is Greek but shes english 😅😅 if you like the name then go with it. Nobody will be stopping you and asking to review your family tree 😊

It's an interesting name. If you love it, go for it.

Plenty of popular names come from other cultures and languages. Elijah also has Hebrew origins, and no-one bats an eye at it.

Loads of names that are currently popular are hebrew and some quite traditionally jewish.

I wouldn't worry. I like the meaning Wolf too.

I like it and I like Lev too.

There are absolutely masses of Hebrew names in use. I draw the line at Cohen but generally most are fine.

Its a nice name. If you like it use it.

Why not Cohen? I think it’s nice! @mrsterrypratchett

Seff also means wolf.. I think

I quite like it.

@Haggisfish, Cohens are the traditional high priests in Judaism. Being a Cohen carries certain responsibilities and duties even now.

Cohen is a religious title in Judaism - not a given name.

Because @Haggisfish (love the name BTW) it's a surname that denotes someone's ancestors were priests at the Temple of Jerusalem. It's very specific and I feel like that's going a little far. I don't like Bodhi, Mohammed or Jesus for non-religious types either. Seems a little disrespectful.

Everyone makes their own assessment though. That's just me.

I think it sounds great (but I secretly love the name wolf anyway!)

Haha everyone got there first.

It's alright for a boy I suppose. I prefer it spelled 'Ze'ev', but it's a bit too out there. Why would you want to name your child after a wolf anyway? He'll be a human being.

Well there you go-you learn something new every day.

A nickname may be Zevvie or Zevo.

I love it, I’ve never heard it before. Not having a connection to the name origin wouldn’t bother me at all.

Wolves are intelligent, family oriented, beautiful and I think noble. What's not to like? Better than all the flower names girls get saddled with.

MrsTerryPratchett
I feel the same way about the name Cohen. Absolutely love it but would definitely not use it for its actual meaning and importance for the Jewish community. It will always be the name that got away.

Lynda07
The original spelling is much nicer but would be an absolute nightmare to live with in an area where it's a very unknown name. I happen to work with wildlife and nature so I really would like my DC to have some slight connection to that. I also love the actual names Wolf, Fox and Bear.

Could you use the Irish spelling? Coen or Cohan?

Ooh, I really like Zev! Great sound, very cool!