What are the traditions of chosing a Jewish baby name?

It varies by the customs of different communities


1) Ashkenazi- generally name after a departed relative. In more observant circles using the persons hebrew name (when it differs from their english ones) - either the actual name or at least with the same letter.


2) Sephardi- name after a living relative


3) Chassidim- some name after the late rebbe so you find a lot of Menachem Mednel's born after the late Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson died.


4) In some communities the custom is that you do not need to name a child after a relative if the relative has had somebody named after them already. In that case, choose any name you like- the custom being to find a name that embodies traits and characteristics you would like your child to have.

What are the traditions of chosing a Jewish baby name?
Generally they give them the name of a departed relative.
Reply:Ashkenazim are named after the deceased and Sephardi after the living.
Reply:my father did although christian, a name from the old testiment and I have done the same with my children.
Reply:The children are generally named for a dead relative. Never a living. For instance, my Grandfather's name was Charles, so my name is Charity.
Reply:Yes, Quantrill above me is correct; it depends upon whether you're of Ashkenazic or Sephardic background. I'm sure that there may be other traditions as well but these are ones for sure.





By the way, there's an *excellent* book by Alfred Kolatch called "The Comprehensive Dictionary of English and Hebrew First Names" that you can get from any bookstore or online.
Reply:Penguin Cusade is the only name you'll ever need.