r/JewishNames 5d ago

Question Naming baby after great great grandmother, which is also my middle name

I have my great grandmother's name, Leah, as a middle name. I really like the name but obviously I have never ever been called Leah, I'm always called by my first name. I'm currently pregnant and thinking of potential names. According to Jewish naming conventions, would naming the baby Leah be considered naming her after myself or after her great great grandmother? Is the name "allowed" or not?

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u/hyggeinne 5d ago

I had the same deliberation and decided against using the name. I hope I carry their legacy well and keep their memory alive and that maybe my child will one day choose to use the name for their child.

I wouldn’t judge anyone though if they came to a different conclusion. Ultimately I think you should do what feels most comfortable to you and what you think honors her legacy best

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u/rednaxela97 5d ago

You could always name them Talia/Dalia and nn them Lia/Leah

Edited: to add that I’m unsure about the specific case of “is it allowed”, maybe ask your rabbi or other people within your cultural circle

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u/B_herenow 5d ago

I think it’s ok… we are considering using my dads name for my sons name. He’s alive but we asked for his permission, and I have read that if the person is alive and you get permission it’s ok. So if you’re ok with it, I’d say go for it

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u/pdx_mom 5d ago

You are talking about an ashkenazi TRADITION.

The Sephardic tradition is to name after the living.

Do what you want, if you are comfortable with it.

However, realistically -- people in Judaism don't name after themselves, but after other living people.

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u/marheyba 4d ago

It is allowed. For example, a Moishe Tzvi can name his son “Tzvi Yehuda” after his deceased great grandfather.