Jewish Names?

Question

Would it be unusual for a Jewish person to be named Chris or Christopher? My guess is yes. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

The name "Chris" is obviously a shortening of all names relating to "Christos", which is actually Greek, for "anointed" or "chosen", so it's only "Christian" by association (they kind of "stole" it!). Still, the associations are there.

*It was originally used to translate the HEBREW word for "Messiah", but then became associated (for Christians anyway), with Jesus alone. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ)

You could spell it differently, like Kris, which sounds more Nordic but still not Jewish.

Just as many Jews in modern times have named their kids Christian names, many Christians have favored Hebrew names (esp. since the 1960's), like Jacob, Joshua and so on. Jewish names spread across Europe and other areas, with the Diaspora , and were reworked into other forms. Hence, common "English-sounding" names like Beth, Ruth, Judy, Susan and so on. (1) (A book on Jewish names in Medieval France and Angevin England.

The second site below details the history of Jewish names and how they've been changed in history. There is a fascinating history of Jewish names and other sources at:

http://www.jewishmag.com/21MAG/MENDEL/mendel.htm

The Encyclopedia of Baby names includes a Jewish name book. (3).

Also names at http://www.myjewishlearning.com.

Interesting question! To put this question to a Rabbi, go to:

http://www.jewishanswers.com/index.php?

Answer 2

I am quite sure that no one who is Jewish by religion would name his kids like that. But I know a man whose name is the Polish version of Christopher (I am not sure how to spell that in Polish) and his parents were Jews who converted to Christianity. He is an atheist, considers himself Jewish by ethnicity and hates Christianity. I don't think he is so happy with his name.