is it cultural appropriation if you name your child a name that's not of your culture?

Question

Accepted Answer

No. You can name your child whatever you want.

Cultural appropriation is a concept that I find annoying. People chose to be offended by stupid stuff.

Answer

I voted meh, but that's not exactly how I feel. I'd say it's more to do with what the name is and why it's chosen.

Rachel Dolezal is low hanging fruit at this point, but I think we can mostly all agree that her changing her name to, Nkechi Amare Diallo is another check on her list of gross appropriative behaviors.

Likewise I wouldn't chose a name like Ebony for my child. Although it's a lovely choice, neither my partner nor I are black and it's a name with strong ties to black pride (at least where I'm at). I also wouldn't go with a theophoric name like Krishna for our child. Again it's a fine name, but would feel disrespectful for us to use just because it sounds nice.

TL;DL Usually fine, but be conscientious about it.

Answer

I think it's debatable. I love the name Khalil and Amir (my mom is obsessed with Khalil thanks to Khalil Mack☠️) but I personally wouldn't name any of my future boys these names unless my husband had a cultural connection to Arabic. He does not.

Answer

From what I've heard, it depends on the name mostly. Some names might have a lot of significance in certain cultures that you simply can't understand if you aren't part of it, I think calling your child something that you don't even understand which has huge importance to other people is disrespectful at the least. But there are also many names that have multiple origins. The amount of times I've had people give me dirty looks and ask why I have a "Japanese" name.. it's actually welsh, at least my version of it, so chill yknow 🤷‍♂️ (Not for the name Gabriel obviously)

Answer

Idk. My sisters name is traditionally Indian because she was named after my mom's best friend growing up (who was Indian). I don't consider it appropriation but I would be interested in hearing from people who think it is.

Answer

I don't think so, honestly.

I think that cultural appropriation has to include an element of exoticism, ignorance, or profiting on another's culture. Given the depth of research that people go into while naming (or at least that I do) I don't think it's aplicable.

Answer

No cause some names are universal.

But if you are white and you name your white child lakiesha that may be just weird. Lol

But in general names are kind of free game. Just depends on your reasoning.

Answer

I think people assuming a name is anything other than a name is really fucking stupid. My name is Monique and literally my entire life I've heard. "You're name is Monique but you're white?" So?!?!? It's a name of French origin meaning wise. If anyone wants to name their kid something they can.

Answer

Name your child what you want. Follow what religion you want. I think cultural appropriation is shit. Since when aren't we allowed to celebrate other cultures. In the city where I live Dia de los Muertos is a big deal. We have a huge parade for it. I've never heard a Mexican say to a white person we can't celebrate with them. I mean I'm sure there is some hipsters somewhere complaining about it but I'm sure they are offended by everything

Answer

No I think it's fine to name your child a name from any culture. However, people should educate themselves on the meaning or translations of a name. It may have a silly meaning when translated or it may have reference to important aspects of their culture which may be considered offensive if the person is not a part of that culture.

is it cultural appropriation if you name your child a name that's not of your culture?

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