Is it offensive to name a child a jewish name when we are not jewish?

I love the name Ziva. I know that it is a jewish/hebrew name and I don't want to take offense not only to my religion (christian) but jewish or Muslim religion.

Is it offensive to name a child a jewish name when we are not jewish?
I don't think it should be offensive. "Samuel" is a Jewish name, so is "Benjamin", and they are quite common. However when you pick a name for your child, certain things should come into mind:


1) You find the name attractive


2) The name is meaningful to you, either because of it's original meaning or its association (perhaps with a relative or someone you admire)


3) The name will not seem strange in the society in which the child grows up. In other words, when the child is 12 years old, will he or she think: "Now why on earth did they burden me with a name like that?"


I would suggest those are the three tests you want to put a name through.
Reply:There's nothing in Judaism that would take offense. It's a great name.





You may want to consider how much anti-semitism there is in the world (this "question" is a good example that's still standing):


http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...





So make sure she has a non-Jewish sounding last name or middle name or something to avoid harrassment. Me being morbid %26amp; depressed, now that garbage like that is allowed to hang around %26amp; so many hateful answers are added onto the out %26amp; out lies of it....





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Update:


The question is gone. Thank goodness.
Reply:I don't see why that would be a problem. Most of us have names that are from other cultures and nationalities than our own. I think Ziva is a very unique name and in my opinion would be a beautiful name for your child no matter what nationality it came from and I'm a Christian.
Reply:Your child is going to have to explain her whole life that it's not "ZIH-vah," will get funny stares on the playground, and will end up hating the name. One of my daughters' names is Avital, because she is a Jew and we live in Israel. I would never name her Mary or Roberta or Mofeeda. (That is a real name) It wouldn't make sense.
Reply:Jewish and Hebrew are all a part of Christian history. My son's name is David. That in of itself is not offensive. There are some names that may need explaining. I have come across a couple of them myself. The story behind the names is quite fascinating.
Reply:I'm still pretty young,but "Ziva" seems like a wonderful name. I'm a Christian as well and I don't believe it is offensive to name a child that unless you making fun of that name in a harsh way. I hope you get an answer.
Reply:Ziva David is a fictional character in the TV series NCIS and is played by Chilean-born actress Cote de Pablo.


If Jewish people were offended the show would be off the air.


I think it is fine.
Reply:I dont believe it is, my daughter's second name is Esther, I know girls who call their daughers Rachel, Deborah, and sons like Silas, Jacob, Daniel and so forth.
Reply:No. I think Ziva is a really good name. It's definetly different from Mary or Elizabeth, but it's a nice name nonetheless. And if people are offended because of it, well as they say in France, "F them."
Reply:no its not...





most people have names that originate from places outside their heritage...





eg. Catherine is a greek name... a lot of Catherines are not greek
Reply:Not offended; I think it's a great name.





BTW - there are, indeed, some unique names out there. I was surprised to hear that Jermaine Jackson's boy is named "Jermajesty". Now THAT'S a bit strange, IMHO.
Reply:People use Jewish names all the time.





Joseph, Jacob, Ruth, Mary, Sarah, etc.





Don't worry about it. There is no locks on names.





And Ziva is the name of a Israeli woman on NCIS. I doubt they had to register the name.
Reply:I wouldn't find it to be an issue. I don't know if the definition helps but it means "radiance, brilliance or light of God".





The baby name sounds like Zeeva.





:)
Reply:Christianity has just as much Hebrew affiliations as Judaism. There should be no offense taken by anyone.
Reply:Many, many names come dirctly from the Bible. Abraham, Joesph, David etc.I can't imagine why someone would take offence at that.
Reply:no it is not offensive . I am Jewish and i had many gentile friends named David and other Jewish names!Go for it !
Reply:I think you should be able to name your kid anything that's not profane , but please don't give boys girls names or girls boys names a jewish name a polish name a latino name we're all human
Reply:My name's Christine. I'm not Christian.


My friend's name is David, he's not Jewish.





You get the point...
Reply:I am Jewish and not offended at all. In fact I am honored that you would name your child this name.





The Bible says God will bless those that bless Israel and you have blessed me...thank you.
Reply:What's a Jewish name?





My father is named David and is a Roman Catholic.
Reply:No. Religions don't own names.





I know a buddhist named Paul. I don't think the religious origins of a name really matter.


David is also a common Jewish name that non-Jewish people like to use.
Reply:No it's not offensive - i love Jewish names ; )


My name is a Hebrew name and i love it...





I'm Christian





I like Ziva - what does it mean?
Reply:No. You could name your kid what ever you want. I know plenty of Davids that aren't Jewish.
Reply:Aaron.....Rachel....etc.


there are lots of Jewish names that are quite common.


Ziva is very pretty.
Reply:My daughter is named Desiree Angelique.


We are in no way French.


I just liked the names.
Reply:No, I'm Sarah and I'm Wiccan.
Reply:it wouldn't be offensive to me as a jew but are you setting up the kid for a world of blank stares or nasty looks...
Reply:just don't name it shaneequa
Reply:I doubt it. My name is Hebrew, and I've never heard any complaints.
Reply:omg no!!! Im jewish and i think i wouldent affend anyone!! It would be awesome!!!!