Choosing a Name for Your Baby

A Hebrew name is a gift which lasts a lifetime. It is a symbol of his Jewish identity and a link to his personal family past. Rabbi Cooper will be happy to help in choosing an appropriate name.

There are no exact rules which apply to Jewish naming practices. Several customs guide the choice of Hebrew/Jewish name:

• Often a Hebrew name is bestowed on a child as a memorial to a loved one who has passed away.
• Jews of Ashkenazic descent typically do not give a name for a living relative.
• Either Hebrew or Jewish (Yiddish) names can be used.
• The Hebrew name you choose need not be directly related to the English name.
• You can choose to give one name in memory of two deceased relatives.
• You can give a name in memory of a loved one even if someone else in your family has given another child a name in memory of the same person.