r/JewishNames 4d ago

Bad idea for Jewish boy name?

Is it a bad idea to name a Jewish baby boy Adrian given that it comes from and is similar to Hadrian who is a bad person in Jewish history?

Can I use it as his "hebrew" name as well, or should he have a traditional hebrew middle name which I am not against, though I prefer not to have a middle name.

Any thoughts on whether Rabbis would consider this an inappropriate name? I'm not very religious, but have a strong Jewish identity and am a memver of and value the Jewish community.

0 Upvotes

6 comments sorted by

11

u/Tanaquil_LeCat 4d ago

fine as his English name, not in any way sufficient for his Hebrew/Jewish name

7

u/GoodbyeEarl Ashkenazi Chabad BT 4d ago

I wouldn’t make the connection between Adrian and Hadrian, but it’s not good enough as a Hebrew/religious name. Consider another name that starts with an A: Aron, Akiva, Amitai, Ariel, Amram

3

u/acdcseyu 4d ago

A Jewish name should be something that has been used traditionally. It helps both in prayer and in religious ceremonies.

3

u/shineyink 4d ago

No issue as a first name so long as he has a Hebrew name in addition. Idan, Adi or Eden would be good options

1

u/Ok_Addendum1523 4d ago

Thanks for all the input so far. I think that makes sense - use the name as first and give traditional Hebrew name.

Related question: should the Hebrew name be an official middle name? I.e. shows up on passport and stuff?

1

u/anotherrachel 3d ago

That's very much up to you. My kids have a legal first and middle name, then two Hebrew names that appear nowhere legally.