Would you assume a 'Reuben' is Jewish?

[sheeplikessleep]

Honest thoughts please.
Both DH and I love the name Reuben, in fact the only name we both agree on. Our DS was born on Sunday and once we've said his name, we've had different people ask if we're Jewish, which we aren't. Is my DS going to face this question throughout his life? Is it an inappropriate name as we have no Jewish links whatsoever? Would appreciate thoughts please - thanks.

Yes I would. And what a lovely name it is.

Congratulations!

I would not worry about it at all. So what if it is a hebrew name? It is a great name. Are all Connors Irish? All Hugos German???

My hubby is not Jewish but has a biblical name.

Our surname is very Jewish - dh's grandfather was Jewish. Added to that I have a hebrew first name, so people probably assume we are Jewish - my midwife did - but we're not. Hardly anyone ever asks and even if they do, it doesn't bother me at all.

Definitely jewish. He may be born with beard, long side burns and a hat. (think Woody Allen)

Yes, I'd also assume Jewish. But who cares.

Would you consider Joseph or Jacob to be Jewish? or Benjamin? Or Daniel? They were some of Reuben's brothers. But people dont assume someone called Dan is Jewish because of their name?

My nephew is Reuben and he's not Jewish, I think is a fab name.

It's one of my favourite names. DS was nearly a Reuben.

My shortlist was Reuben, Benjamin, Caspar, Joshua, Zachary. I don't think Caspar's a hebrew name but the rest are. I'm an atheist but I think the ancient hebrews knew something about language sounds and names. They're perennially popular names because they sound beautiful. DD also has a hebrew name.

I wouldn't assume Jewish (one of DS's friends is called Reuben and his dad is the vicar of the local church).

It is an old testament name. As is Benjamin, DS's name but it doesn't make me feel it is necessarily Jewish.

I only know 2, one my age (and Christian), and one primary school age (and Jewish).

As it's an Old Testament Hebrew name given to the eldest son of Israel, it's not surprising that many people would assume Jewish lineage; so the real question is whether this assumption, if voiced, would bother you.

But as such names are widely used by all 3 religions which repect and/or venerate some or all of the Books, then there are plenty of ways to deflect/ debunk comments if that is what you are happy to do.

I wouldn't assume it, but it might occur to me later. It's a lovely name. I have a Solomon and a Uriah in my family tree, but no-one is Jewish - they are Biblical names from a time when they were popular (lots of Elizabeths, Marys and Sarahs too).