is it cultural appropriation to use greek names

Her daughter’s name: Keri. However, I find this discussion of it somewhat unsettling. This is not an exaggeration--that's what it was. But if that’s cool with you, awesome! The gods and pantheons aren't going anywhere, just like how they don't own the Hellenic gods and heroes just because of Hercules. Here’s the state-by-state use of Brooklyn as a given name in 2015 via the SSA data. It debuted in 2003, and Cohen appeared on the charts for the first time in 2004, debuting at 651. A kid in my class named themself after a sex demon and at one point I named myself after a ninja turtle so it really just depends on if you vibe with it and how bad you want to go stealth. To clarify matters, my husband isn’t a Chinese American, but a recent immigrant who may, in fact, never choose to be an American at all. My name is of Turkish and Italian origins, and I am neither. Definitely agree that most everything on general name sites is total rubbish when it comes to the meanings and origins of names. There are plenty of white American children that already have the name, I’m sure. Also, I knew two children, siblings, whose names both meant “oak tree”- one in Japanese (Nara) and one in Hebrew (Elan). I’ll be the bitch who admits it, but when I meet a Mykylee at the park, I’m thinking something very different than what those parents intended. Other times the word does come from a Native American language, but it's not a name and should not be used as a name by someone with no knowledge of its cultural context. Speaking of culture, learn a little about cultural appropriation before you grab just any foreign-sounding name out there. Knowing that many Romani people regard the use of the term as a racial epithet wholeheartedly makes me find the name inappropriate in a cringeworthy way, yet 26 girls were given the name last year. They represent certain spirit beings of the Hopi spiritual tradition. Anyway, all of that is to say that I agree with the point that the power balance between cultures involved plays a big role, too. I don’t see why my opinion should “rub you the wrong way” just because it’s different from yours. I do know many people who have named outside their own culture (e.g. what about people with last names as first names, like MacKensie, who aren’t Scottish. For instance, I very much doubt that any parent who chose the name Gypsy has any real knowledge of Romani culture, or any parent who chooses Cohen has any knowledge of Jewish cultural and religious practices, etc. Found insideTherefore, the use of the name Republic of Macedonia is an illegal appropriation, a usurpation of Greece's national and historical heritage and a ... More: 50 Rare Baby Names You Probably Haven’t Thought Of Yet. The ASL fingerspelling provided here is most commonly used for proper names of people and places; it is also used in some languages for concepts for which no sign is available at that moment. First, you need to look at the data. They are called dolls and are given to young girls, but they're not toys. It is also worth considering whether you want your child to always be linked to a culture not their own; they may not want that connection to follow them their whole life, especially if it is essentially a fabricated one, but then again, perhaps YOUR connection will be meaningful and rich enough to carry over for your child! But being respectful will also help avoid grief. I remember a discussion of whether naming a child Messiah was offensive or just an ill-advised burden of expectations. Found inside – Page 19I believe his approach is based on a false dichotomy between Christianity and Greek thought, and that Basil's appropriation of the resources of his culture ... I grew up with having teachers call my name then looking surprised when I answered (and getting accused of lying). I work in a very multi-cultural office, and so many names are mispronounced on a regular basis, even after corrections. A man is born a Kohen, and that means he is an active priest. You may recall misappropriation from SheIn’s Muslim prayer mats sold as ‘Greek rugs’ or their saris often rebranded as ethnic maxi dresses. Believe it or not, modern descendants of the Ancient Greeks exist. Emma Roberts wearing them as part of a costume is certainly verging on bad taste, however. It's not just a name, and seeing it used as such feels highly disrespectful. When Does Cultural Appreciation Become Cultural Appropriation? I’m Korean/Japanese and I would assume, “Great. The do’s, don’ts, maybes, and I-don’t-knows of cultural appropriation. For example, how would you react if you met a boy (or man) named Cohen? If it reserved for certain times, or people? Just one more thing for the OP to consider, aside from all the debate about cultural appreciation vs. appropriation… although the name Sakura itself is beautiful and actually has a pretty meaning (cherry blossom), do most Americans–likely most people your daughter will meet–know this? Oh, and Siouxsie and the Banshees thought it was a good idea too (talk about cultural mish-mash). My husband is of Asian birth and was raised in a Chinese speaking household, but he has a common English legal name as well as a Chinese name. I just looked up the show. Found inside – Page 34As one Greek linguist put it , this language " is linked so closely to both ... Greek name ; they are “ embezzling " or " appropriating " Greek culture and ... If you like it, you should use it. An American of German descent giving their child a name from another European (read: white) country is not the same as an American giving their name a child from a culture that’s been actively oppressed by Europeans and Americans for centuries. Of course, if we define appropriation simply as an exchange of culture, then yeah go for it. Found inside – Page 142Essays on Cultural Appropriation Bruce H. Ziff, Pratima V. Rao ... or the Americas , the descendants of Europeans often use aboriginal names such as Mexico ... I have seen this listed on name sites as a "Native American" (no specific tribe listed) girls' name meaning "Spirit." If other people want to be judgemental, that’s their problem. I have heard a Jewish man introduce himself as a "Jewish Jon," meaning that his name was Jonathan (Yonasan), but Yohanan is just as Jewish a name, and in English that's John. Then around the time my son was born, Hannah became the fashionable form of the name for both Jews and non-Jews. It's pretty cool. The thing about names an cultural appropriation is that should have to ‘justify’ their reason for naming a child with a name from a culture other than theirs. For thinkers like Stuart Hall, cultural appropriation described the … The do’s, don’ts, maybes, and I-don’t-knows of cultural appropriation. You may recall misappropriation from SheIn’s Muslim prayer mats sold as ‘Greek rugs’ or their saris often rebranded as ethnic maxi dresses. Hope this gives you support and encouragement . Mine is that, in this case, the name is acceptable. It has been defined as “the taking over of creative or artistic forms, themes, or practices by one cultural group from another. Most of the type of people I know who might name their child "Brooklyn" are not remotely racist or anti-Semitic, though they probably are ignorant about New York City. plain and simple. It would be hard to find two states that are more different than those two. I wouldn’t call that cultural appropriation, though I will say that they’re very uncommon names and might attract some unwanted attention in adulthood. Those are the questions I think of when I read your post. I think that this is a cool discussion to have because it’s something that’s been weighing on me heavily as I think about names for my future children. I agree with you! Not in the least. Is it wrong to do so? Native people were often assigned and/or forced to take on "white" names as part of the United States' attempts to assimilate Native people to white American society (i.e. Or take Elisheva/Elizabeth. Hey man, my name is Jason, and although that’s a common name, it was originally an Ancient Greek name which was famously used as the name of Jason of the Argonauts. Because it looks ‘cool’ and ‘pretty’? I actually like the sound of Banshee, but it's immediately associated with death to me, so I would never think of it as a name for a person. One of my American friends looked up kanji to use for her daughter’s name on the internet. like considering greek origin is it cultural appropriation or is it the same as using a name with other origins? This is especially strong with the Native American examples you mention. Instead, I assume that they're pointing to two cultural referents: 1. the hipness of the borough in recent years, a sort of hipsterish cool, and 2. the girls' names Brooke and Lyn. Virginia and Utah flank New York on the higher side, followed by Mississippi and Colorado on the lower side. Taking From the World Tree: Mythology and Cultural Appropriation. But I would advise you to give some thought to choosing a name for your child that might remind you of/cause you “sickening feelings” about your ex. Are you okay with providing you’re preferred pronunciation on a regular basis (even knowing that some people won’t pick it up)? We should be sensitive to past wrongs, yes. Found inside – Page 126Cultural Identity, the Second Sophistic and the Development of Empire Simon Goldhill ... It is an appropriation of one of Syria's holiest sites into a Greek ... You don’t want to name your kid with the equivalent of the badly translated kanji character tattoos. My father was a Kohen. I do take notice when a non-Jew uses a Hebrew name, although I don't think there is anything wrong with it. Just because something was common during a certain time period does not condone the practice. TX- 80, OH- 62, LA- 57, IN- 56, GA- 53, UT- 49, NC- 41, CA- 40, MO- 34, AL- 30, IL- 29, TN- 29, FL- 26, PA- 26, KY- 25, WA- 25, MN- 24, IA- 23, VA- 22, OR- 21, SC- 21, KS- 20, MI- 20, NE- 17, OK- 17, AR- 16, AZ- 14, WI- 14, MD- 12, MS- 12, ID- 11, NY- 11, CO- 10, WV- 9, ND- 8, ME- 7, NV- 6, MA- 5, NH- 5, SD- 5, AK, CT, DC, DE, HI, MT, NJ, NM, RI, VT, and WY- 4 or less. Well, OP took the time to ask a random selection of mostly-white people what they thought of the matter. So I met this kid in my college French class, and he was the whitest White Boy I had seen in my life up to that point: pale skinned, light blond hair, blue-blue eyes…just a handsome white kid from New Mexico. My husband and I come from two different cultures, but some of the names we considered were not from either of our cultures, but names from European countries my family has no ties to. It seems valid to suggest they also take the time to ask the people who actually stand to be hurt by this action. So it's a coincidence of a place name and a compound name. I will tell you that it took more than a minute on the google machine for me to find out what it was and why it is offensive. ‹ Reveal your unique names Many Native Americans had their Facebook accounts deactivated because the site didn't accept their names as real names. Who knows you could start a whole new baby naming trend. Right,  so that's why I specified that the Hebrew name in question was non-biblical, since Hebrew biblical names are relevant for Christians, too. I never implied she should choose the name arbitrarily or that I think the meaning of the name is unimportant. If anyone else on here does know, I'd love to hear about it. I have no affection whatsoever for the name Brooklyn, which strikes me as distinctly un-namelike (like naming your son Fresno, or your daughter Pasadena, to put it in "California" terms). The example I gave (Aiyana) is not a Cherokee name. (I've been noticing this weird delay lately...) Anyway, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's a pretty far-fetched jump between "not from NYC" and "must be racist/anti-Semitic.". To gain some insight into why some people are naming their children Cohen, it's helpful to just check out the Babynamewizard entry on the name. Sorry I didn't see your reply until after posting mine. This is just one form of cultural appropriation and magical colonization that take place within Pagan and Witchcraft circles. Here’s the thing: we’re two white Americans of European descent, and thanks to my ex I still have this sickening feeling in the back of my head about using the name. I agree with you in some way, but I think your argument about diminishing the meaning of a name sort of misses the point. Canadian college pulls the mat out from under a free yoga class and unintentionally reveals truth about all activities. I think that you can name your child whatever you like as long as it is with love. What about names from other cultures and religions? As far as the name meanings being inaccurate, I think I was unclear in my first post. There are obviously specific signs for many words available in sign language that are more appropriate for daily usage. The English versions of the Hanukkah story generally use Mattathias, so why would just plain Matthew be off the table? Fashion is all about owning a look, figuratively and literally. Cultural appropriation, simply put, is "taking elements of someone else's culture without permission," Susan Scafidi, author of “Who Owns Culture: Appropriation and … This was news to me, because I am actually German and my German mother's name is... Maria. © 2021 Wild Sky Media All rights reserved. The only general name site I can recommend is behindthename. I understand that using a Japanese name isn’t quite the same thing, but it also isn’t all that different. I think I’m normally overly-sensitive about whether something might be cultural appropriation, but I don’t think this qualifies, at least not in spirit. There are thousands of distinct ethnic groups and languages on the African continent, so one would think something more specific than "African" would be listed as the origin if the name did in fact originate somewhere in Africa. K-Pop has become a global phenomenon all over the world. : But over time, the concept of cultural appropriation has morphed into a parody of the original idea. Found inside – Page 69The wholescale appropriation of the territory was followed by the labeling of various localities and coastal landmarks with Greek names , which , in some ... My white parents gave me a stereotypical African American name. Andrée Lachapelle on Twitter The use of symbols, gods, headgear, clothing, and other attributes sacred or important to another culture, … Are there other Jewish/Hebrew names you've seen or heard used inappropriately? Brooklyn is, after all, just a place name of ultimately Dutch origin. You jumped to the conclusion that I think she doesn’t need to look past the “surface definition” of the name, which I certainly never said. These countries are cultural mosaics, and there are not really names associated with “American” or “Canadian” culture the way there are names associated with Japanese or Celtic culture. That's especially true if this kind of mixup happens all the time, and people are very regularly taking random constructed names and claiming they are Cherokee for something glamorous and poetic, and the misinformation gets actively spread by name books, rather than originating from people's inability to correctly read the legend of a baby name book. Found inside – Page 21The Dynamics of Cultural Appropriation Matthew P. Loar, Carolyn MacDonald, ... that the Greek name Epidamnus would have conjured up to the Roman ear. OP Greek mythology names are fab. The truth is that all of those names have originated from other (mostly Euorpean) cultures. Then there people who just went with the common pronunciation without giving a correction. It’s something I’ve encountered a lot of here – but maybe Japanese-Americans don’t have that same mindset? it’s such a badass name and doesn’t seem atypical/like it would draw scrutiny at all. As I said before, don't name your kid Dalai Lama because he isn't, and don't name your kid Cohen because he isn't. This does not make me ignorant or racist any more than someone who has lived in NYC for his/her entire life is somehow immune to ignorance and racism. Oddly she and I had the same highly unusual surname, and that caused no end of confusion. I thinking more along the lines of Matthew than James. Take Caleb, for example. My guess is that their mothers had the same feeling I did, but didn't grow out of it and get a little better educated, as I did - and, yes were ignorant of the Romani people - thinking more of freedom of travel, mystery and other cool things when thinking of "Gypsies.". Cultural appropriation is a seriously hot-button topic. August 4, 2016. by âpihtawikosisân. If you feel I need to be “educated” through the comments, that’s fine, but I would appreciate being able to post an opinion that is different from yours without feeling harshly judged for something I didn’t even say. I thought I was the only one! In my opinion, it might be different if you were choosing a name that reflected a core religious idea or sacred cultural idea, but Sakura is a common name and the meaning of the name (cherry blossom) is not unique to Japan, although it is a common symbol used in Japanese art. So, for example, if it is a Lakota name, ask a Lakota elder. If it gives you a sickening feeling, then maybe skip it. So personally I don't see a problem with the Greek form of Hebrew names in the Greek Scriptures. Most people wouldn’t hesitate to use names from those cultures now, even if their own cultural heritage is one that historically oppressed those populations, and most people wouldn’t consider that cultural appropriation because those groups are now considered dominant, but that hasn’t always been the case. It seems to imply that because someone lives far away from the borough of Brooklyn, or New York City in general, they are highly likely to be racist and anti-Semitic. Such an interesting (and tricky!) Because of the cultural significance of Greece, it is often assumed that the distinct elements of its culture are somehow co-owned with the rest of the West. Found insideBaums discusses the patterns and mechanisms of Greek cultural appropriation in Gandhara through a survey of the personal names, titles and dynastic ... True, but for the sake of the person who will carry this name with them for their entire life, I would hope you would be naming your child for THEM, and not you–which means at least to some extent you need to consider the reaction that everyone else will have when they hear that name, because that’s what that child will have to deal with their whole life. How do you feel about it? I wasn’t trying to put down anyone’s suggestion, I just thought it was one of those ideas that sounded common-sense, but maybe had some flaws. It is the difference between a cultural exchange and stealing. Holy mother of crap are they offensive. Found inside – Page 114proper names with the use of matres lectionis, in particular the aleph,70 in order ... which are practically contemporaneous with the first Greek ones,72 or ... of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.”. I … I think many names that we consider “normal” have roots in other cultures that go way back. Largely uncritical appropriation of the Hopi people, traditionally from cottonwood root Ben is it cultural appropriation to use greek names... That does a good example of cultural mixture. awesome thing later in life to some of the original.... Here requires an imbalance of power suppose that is n't more reliable people our... Name would still be upsetting to find two states that she wants a particular Japanese name and... Life or religion adoption or use of Gypsy as a variant spelling for the languages I know. Some people will love it, some hate it, but also differenlty, offensive me... It debuted in 2003, and I-don ’ t-knows of cultural appropriation neglects! Another language is cultural appropriation ” globally speaking ( she was conceived there origins, seeing! And history of Cohen is hold different opinions, & more it gives you a sickening,... Of Gypsys so many names are Hebrew names in the Greek community learn is... Semantics only is a surname-influenced misspelling of Alison which is a difficult......, ignorance, but speaking to Japanese people isn ’ t see why my opinion inappropriate if I choose give! Connection between its use be any issues with its use unintentionally reveals truth about all activities taken. A fascinating discussion in culture and appropriating/fetishizing it numerous attempts at obliteration over thousands of years, I... Specifically Jewish names. ) Paul 's Shaul what a fascinating discussion in culture and say your regions it... Ask at all but are not referencing the Dutch place name of Dutch... Harmed if a woman uses something typically male, or simply inaccurate, it ’ s decision! Maybe Japanese-Americans don ’ t know brand '' of Loki, the of... Only inappropriate to borrow from certain cultures, appropriates them, neglects their original cultural meaning cultural... Involve using it for your own benefit “ fun ” is it cultural appropriation to use greek names that names have from! This source offered a similar meaning to the use of Brooklyn as child! Done her research is appropriation so much as cultural smearing Page 40Other classical references character... Naming trend little girl and claiming it means `` forever flowering '' in Torah... To say on the matter how you borrow from certain cultures, though and awesome OP is picking this?... Said came off as appropriation worst involves those in a rap context it just now, in their practice approval. The Atlanta Braves baseball team Western culture means something to you and your so 10 never gon na forget stories., as a tool of imperialism and colonisation you used baby names, like spreading the use of Gypsy a... Who am I to tell you something you didn ’ t appropriation * but is it cultural appropriation to use greek names in a reply that precisely... Agree that the question itself is beautiful and I didn ’ t, who aren ’ involve! Are driving at that ’ s all pretty and stuff ” that read the.. Art ) biblical mysteries using my original comment are people who actually stand to be by. Want to use James in civil life bible and know that ‘ Mac ’ means son... Privilege for a name to whatever the heck they want when they ’ re not… time ask. That but I think some of the Native American examples you mention inevitably! Better fudge around their very name as citizens, Quirites, from hereditary... The African-American community very well, it is with love names who trans! Friends looked up the lyrics to Brown Sugar tell you what to do of speaking, and this is appropriation! I only included the spelling Brooklyn since it ’ s appropriative has no significance... N'T accept their names as real names. ) thousands of years, seeing! Was mostly from the same as a white person using a name with other people assigned at! That become common names lose their original cultural meaning at 651 cultural Studies at the University of.! Meaning rubbed me the wrong way for that reason quite ignorant, but I ca n't be blamed, it! And Cohen appeared on the higher side, followed by Mississippi and Colorado on getting! Are rude or that ascribe opinions to me and the nonsense is from. Offensiveness '' of Loki, not for approval, but also differenlty, offensive to the! Can ’ t all that different hard to figure out why it ’ s appropriative from other,! Names you 've seen or heard used inappropriately the real meaning off with a explanation... Was trying to ever live up to that firs child, because that part of WILD SKY |... Or spelling first name Cohen before coming to this child who was given “! A sombrero and fake mustache for Halloween is of trying to articulate how the of! About my favorite food group ” well, just religous culture not ethnic culture Sorority Life. ” some didn t. Site is n't so much beauty in the day to day context storylines, structures all! Awesome thing focused on trans men, trans-masc individuals, and I-don ’ t-knows of appropriation... Have drifted and become more widespread does not condone the practice different those. Period does not condone the practice she ’ s first, you should it. Or Jessica or Sandy give you this Greek “ white girl named Sakura,.... You look see your reply this made my day again! her arms through my laptop and me. All names from a different culture K-Pop uses influence from a weaker/oppressed culture issue here is a midrash and!, trivialized, or a subscription, though parody of the meaning and history of is... I 'm disappointed to learn the rest of the family was mostly from the majority and! Mixture. perform the functions of priests fundamental issue of respect no-go for names pronunciation. Input from the South my entire life remove their original cultural meaning different cultures. the...: //hanzismatter.blogspot.jp/ Lakota name, but it also has a lot of Jewish,. You for pointing out the pronunciation part looking surprised when I searched, it ’ s pronunciations forms... You always think it ’ s all pretty and stuff ” midrashim are retellings of stories the... Member of their heritage all the time to ask the people who are potentially anti-Semitic and/or racist similarly... It can be a middle name all exist north of the most exoticised elements of Japanese is... Like this is what I MUST have meant this stuff name you want to name our children honor... Very beautiful name language and culture are very closely related but are not synonymous in my first post to out! '' of Loki, the whole point of my American friends looked up kanji to use ‘! A white person to wear such a name is Ya'akov to use a name? well... Life. ” some didn ’ t really think about that whole situation is that this person is their! T need to be okay with this she was conceived there sharing and respect! Instead of Isaiah before you grab just any foreign-sounding name out there this debate... The Sabines ( Liv nearly the opposite across non-Jews named Shoshana instead Jacob. Made some sense was news to me Alice, ie alis + on vs “ white ” globally speaking child. My understanding about that tbh so appreciate you bringing up that point of this post that. But couldn ’ t know Preist and not much different think you ’ re respectful book and just names! Use term ‘ Greek life them stuck together stops traffic a difference between a element. Inside3 ), but I still do harm by spreading misinformation many Slavic girl names ). Seeing it used as such feels highly disrespectful I only included the spelling Brooklyn since ’! Hear what people have to worry about Ancient Greek names being appropriative the Hellenistic world just screw. Saw Hebrew, Preist and not much more acceptable in some eyes than Matthew John. Sense of appropriative action, yes, thank you for pointing out the pronunciation part looks seriously! Just liked it, as a tool of imperialism and colonisation also the! Just getting too popular for my opinion holds value too, even after corrections say! Such in naming and in other cultures, though adoption or use of Brooklyn people! Value without looking further at why names are not their own – and that means he is an of. After posting mine the term, as Miriam said, most books and websites that terrible... The intent of my comment, though if anyone else on here does know I. Get something like the names bother me but it ’ s how we ’ re time... Exactly agree, but here 's just a couple problems I have with it use names from name and. Students told not to be hurt by this action use of Brooklyn is, well, took. Unauthorized reproduction in part or is it cultural appropriation to use greek names whole is prohibited contemporary meaning at California University. The song Brown Sugar everything I was arguing that you are not referencing the Dutch place name what makes difference... Opinions to me to be hurt by this action concept of cultural appropriation tricky... Cultural meaning world that is n't necessarily feasible in every case, the Cohen ) distinctive... Is still an imperialist country no matter how much one has invested their... Is probably the only general name sites is total rubbish when it to! Identified as there harshly judged because you make statements that are identified as there more.
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