Would it be in bad taste for a Christian to name her son...?

Question

Ishmael?
I see nothing wrong with it really.
And I'm particularly fond of the name Elijah Ishmael or vice versa.
Oh, and by the way, I'm not pregnant, I'm just daydreaming about the future.

Answer 1

Not at all. It's still a Biblical name, after all, and it's not like Christians are instructed to promote ONLY their own beliefs and encourage bias toward others (at least none I've known). ;) There's nothing wrong with Ishmael. He was also a son of Abraham (who, frankly, got the short end of the stick, so to speak). Not some terrible Biblical character to be shunned.

Now Beelzebub or something ... THAT would be in bad taste. ;)

Answer 2

I really like the name Ishmael as well. However, when I'm choosing a name, I have to always look at every angle. I don't know if your son would enjoy having the name Ishmael. Here are the reasons I decided against it.

First, Ishmael was the son "not chosen". If you ever have any more kids, do you want him ever thinking that you favor his brother? I'm not saying you would, or that your son would necessarily draw this conclusion, but kids can read meanings into ANYTHING.

Second, while it is a biblical name, it's also a name vital to another culture. Whether you mean to be doing so or not, you're giving your son a link to that culture. Make sure this is something you want to do! Also, you may want to check with some Islamic friends, you want to make sure that THEY wouldn't take offense to you using the name.

Elijah, however, is a beautiful name. I'm partial to Azriel myself (that's why I used it), but Elijah is very nice as well. What about paring Elijah with another biblical name? Abram is the one I find flows best with Elijah (in my mind anyway.) "Abram Elijah" is beautiful, but I also like "Elijah Abram".

Answer 3

Elijah is an okay name. Ishmael is a recipe for school teasing.

As for the religious aspect, just because the name isn't in the bible, it doesn't mean that it is not a strong name. Besides all of that, when your child grows up into his own self and chooses a religion (or not), maybe he will go with one that suits his birth name rather than christianity... choose wisely what you want for your child because, no matter what people have to say opposing it, children really DO grow into the names they are given.

Answer 4

Ishmael is in the Bible... he is Abraham's first son, the son according to the flesh instead of the son according to promise. That isn't necessarily the greatest connotation for a Christian, but it's not a bad one (not like naming a child "Herod" or something!). And it does have a strong association with both Islam and Moby Dick.

If you choose to use it, I wouldn't pair it with Elijah. Perhaps use one less common name and one more common name:

Ishmael David
Elijah James

Answer 5

Both Elijah and Ishmael are Hebrew names. Maybe i am old fashioned, but there are so many nice Christian names, why not one of them? But it is up to you, but one should consider, the baby is not able to agree or not with the name given and has to carry it all life.
Wishing you all the best, God bless.

Answer 6

No, it's still a biblical name. I think Elijah Ishmael flows better, but I do enjoy Ishmael. Mae would make a cute nickname!

Answer 7

well since ishmael is frequently seen in muslim and jewish teachings as the chosen seed and a great profit, i might think it would be a bad idea. do some research on that b4 you choose to name the baby that

Answer 8

No. I see nothing wrong with it whatsoever. Thats such a trite question, like a Chinese woman asking if it would be in poor taste to use a traditionally Irish name like Colin.

Answer 9

The name is OK, but give the brat a another middle name - a regular boy's name so he won't be bullied in the school yard. As a adult, he can choose the name he prefers.

Answer 10

I like Ishmael too, but your son would be in for a lifetime of Moby Dick jokes.