Should I Go by My Hebrew Name?

Our forefathers in Egypt weren’t observant, but they used their names — and that alone merited redemption.

Q. Does it make a difference that I go by my English name?

Our forefathers in Egypt were not religiously observant, they were even paganists. Nevertheless, they merited redemption because at least they didn’t assimilate, and kept their national identity, by speaking Hebrew and using their Hebrew names (Vayikra Rabba 32). The Maharsham and others learn from here that it’s an obligation to use your Hebrew name, although, R. Moshe Feinstein holds that it’s a virtue, but is not a sin to use a gentile name. Just as many Jews anglicized their names when they came to America, and similarly slaveholders gave their slaves English names to signify their “new” identity, how much more so, anyone who is proud of their Jewishness should identify with their Hebrew name, taking pride in being a member of the Chosen People (Maharam Schick, Y.D. 169).

In addition, many English names actually come from other religions like nicknames for Christian holidays (Natalie), saints (Peter, Paul, Andrew, Mark, Tom, Robert, Amanda, Ashley, Barbara), and some, after pagan gods (Jennifer), and accordingly, are prohibited by all opinions. The world was created by G-d “with” Hebrew (“and He SAID…”) and according to kabbala, every person’s Hebrew name has a significant meaning, and that it is your soul’s only “real” name. A Yiddish name is not considered Hebrew but is termed la’az (a foreign language), and if you don’t have a Hebrew name, you can and should choose one for yourself for reasons of both religious and national pride.