L. writes:
I have a specific question I was hoping you and your readers could help me out with. Perhaps a poll? My husband and I both really like the name Ari and want to use it for our baby boy due this fall. However, it seems to be a primarily Jewish name, and we aren’t Jewish. Would it be too odd for us to use the name?
Thanks!
Ah! Yes! I would be interested in this too! Periodically we get an email that asks if it’s okay to use a name if the family isn’t ______ (Christian, Russian, etc.), and it seems like the absolute best way to find out is to collect a large number of answers: we’re not exactly a scientific sample here, but it still gives a good idea of the possible reactions and the rough percentages.
I have only two experiences with the name Ari, and neither involved Jewishness: a fellow student at my childhood Christian school was named Ari, and it’s also a common name in my husband’s non-Jewish family tree. So my own contribution to the pool of answers is that although I know it can be Jewish, I don’t at all think of it as Only Jewish, and I wouldn’t be startled if a non-Jewish family used it.
Let’s have a poll!
I always think of Ari as being equally Greek. You’ve got Ari Onassis, after all.
He was Aristotle, so quite Greek!
I agree. It is short for Aristotle love the name
The only Ari I’ve ever known wasn’t Jewish either so I don’t see any problem with it at all.
There are many names of Hebrew origin that are being given to new babies everyday. I mean look at all those wonderful names from the bible! Even the lesser known ones are now starting to become more popular with parents who want something a little bit different.
I also knew a Greek boy named Arius, who went by the nn Ari, many years ago too and always thought it was a great name.
If you love it just go for it!
Good luck!
It does seem a little odd to me. Maybe Aaron instead?
I think of Ari as being very, very Jewish, and I would be quite surprised to meet a little Gentile with the name. I’m even surprised to see so many “Not weird at all!” votes here! I live in a heavily-Jewish area, so I guess those are the naming styles I’m used to. I think here, it would be perceived as pretty weird to name your Gentile baby Ari. People here would be surprised. I wonder if this reads as less odd in areas where the Jewish community is not large? I’ve noticed non-Jewish parents naming their kids Asher, for instance, in certain regions, which would, here, signal “Devout Orthodox”, not “Stylish and modern”. (Don’t get me started on folks naming their sons “Cohen”.)
It has independent origins as an Armenian name (meaning “brave”), as well a third totally separate source in the Old Norse (meaning “eagle”), so it’s not exclusively a Hebrew name… which is where my “not surprised” comes from. Many short names have multiple origins in different languages, and Ari also is a nickname for other names, like say Aristotle, which in turn have even more independent origins.
So, while the Ari I know is Jewish, and if I saw an Ari on a course roster I might assume Jewish without further information or clues, I also wouldn’t be surprised to find that the Ari was in fact not Jewish, either.
I’m going to second Guinevere on being not surprised due to multiple origins coming down to the same name. In biology, we would call this convergent evolution. The sounds that make Ari are used in many languages, with many meanings. The inverse is happening with a name like Asher(or Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, etc.)- the name comes from a religious text used by more than one faith. But seeing Cohen on a Gentile would genuinely surprise me.
I do think you’re onto something in that local demographics can make a big difference on how people perceive names. Where I grew up, the names Alexandra(Alejandra), Maria, Gabriela, and Andrea are almost unheard of on a European-American girl because of their heavy usage in the Hispanic community. I only ever met one white Andrea, and she didn’t go by her first name. But I did an internship for a year in an area that didn’t have a large Hispanic community, and I met several girls with those names. The perception was completely different in that area because of the demographics. Hmm… maybe if I move there after grad school, I can get away with Araceli and Naomi….
my name is Rebecca, which is Hebrew and there are tons of Rebecca’s from all backgrounds and faiths. So Ari wouldn’t be odd outside of the Jewish community. I like the name.
Our grandson is named Ari. His daddy is Jewish and his mama is a Christian. I loved the name from the start. He is not being raised primarily Jewish.
I have a friend named Sarah who has two children, Ruth and Daniel. She has been asked more than once if they are Jewish. So, my opinion is there will always be weird people who attempt to pinpoint who someone is exactly based on names. Not accurate or necessary, but it happens.
I’m more familiar with the Dutch spelling Arie (which google says is a form of Adrian). Either way, it doesn’t seem too Jewish for your use. However, I think your last name might spin the name one way or the other. If I heard “Ari Feinberg” definitely sounds Jewish, “Ari de Vries” says Dutch, and “Ari Williams” is neutral. I really like Ari; I hope you use it!
Excellent point about the surname!
We love the name Aristede/Aristide which although Hebrew originally, is mostly used in the French community or old Greek. My husband is French and his great uncle is an Aristede but goes by Ari. So technically, Ari could be French or Greek as well?? We love it.
Another thing to consider, most names can be traced back to a few origins (Hebrew, Latin, Greek, etc) and most people don’t hear a name, look up the origin, and then consider what your background is. If you love it, use it!!
I can see where the hesitation is, but I don’t think it’s a big deal. Like another person commented, it might be more noticeable if you’re in an area with a large Jewish population, but I wouldn’t worry much. Wikipedia lists 20 languages in which the name/word Ari is used.
The only Ari I know is Mormon, for what it’s worth. I also know an Avi (another oft-used Jewish name) who is not Jewish.
Also, I’m sure it’s too late to change now (and maybe I’m the only one with this problem), Swistle, but I had to read the poll a few times to make sure I was answering it correctly, since a “no” vote means “yes, use it!”
I like Ari! If you like it- use it! If you’re looking for something similar, I knew someone in college whose name was Ara- he was Armenian. I also know a boy named Ori.
I’ve heard the name Ari but know nothing about it. What is it’s Jewish significance? Apparently it has been used primarily by Jewish families and that’s why this question is being posed?
The point about surnames is well taken. Although Americans often mix up the language backgrounds of their children’s first and last names (Michelle Schweitzer, Ryan Beaumont), with little notice taken, I think that works best when the first name has become a part of American culture and is seen as just another American name. Pairing a fairly unknown name from another language with a surname from a different language can be jarring.
The Big Book of Baby Names by Cleveland Kent Evans, President, American Name Society, says of Ari: “an Israeli name now frequently used by Jewish families in the United States”.
It appears that Ari has a strong image in the U. S. as a name favored first and foremost by Jewish families, but there doesn’t seem to be any objective reason for non-Jewish families to avoid the name. It could be that the name will eventually become more mainstream, just as some other Old Testament biblical names have.
Love the name Ari! I hope you use it! I don’t think there are any issues using this name if you are not Jewish.
The only time when I have a problem is when the name is culturally–especially religiously–significant and specific/unusual. I think I’d object to two atheists naming their child Moses, Jesus, or Ganesha.
But I don’t mind anyone using the names Aaron or Paul or even Joshua (which is a form of the name Jesus). I see no problem in naming a kid Minerva, mainly because I don’t know of anyone who worships the Greek pantheon, and it’s more established as “just a name” vs the goddess.
Ari, as best I can tell, means lion or lion of God. It’s the short form of Ariel. I really wouldn’t worry about it, even if people may think he’s Jewish sometimes.
I voted “no”, go ahead and use it. I love the name Arius, nickname Ari, which was mentioned above.
I chose “I can’t decide” on the poll, but only because my answer doesn’t quite fit the poll options, not from true ambivalence. If I met a boy named Ari, I might idly assume he came from a Jewish background, but if I discovered I was incorrect, I wouldn’t find it even slightly odd. Ari is a very handsome name, so I would say if you love it, use it! You may get the occasional question about it, but unlike Cohen, I don’t think using the name is an issue (as far as I know).
That sounds like your vote should be “No,” since the question is “Is it odd?”
Yeah, you’re absolutely right, Swistle; I over-thought it. I thought part of the (implied) question might have been “would someone assume my child is Jewish?”, in which case I would say possibly yes, but as actually asked, “Is it odd?”, my answer is no. Sorry for any confusion.
I’m Jewish. All the boy Ari’s I know are Jewish, but not all the girl Ari’s are. I would still assume a boy Ari was Jewish, but I think it’s okay to use the name even if not Jewish.
Cohen is a different story, however…
Hi Ira, just thought I’d toss in that your name is one of my absolute favourites! I want to second most of the opinions here, certain names may come saddled with “assumptions” but unless they are overly controversial I think they should be embraced if you’ve found a name you love. Some people associate Ari with Jewish heritage in the same way that others associate the name Heidi with little girls frolicking in the Alps. Not all Heidi’s are Swiss, and not all Ari’s are Jewish but those are the most prevalent associations.
I didn’t know the name Ari was a Jewish name until this question came up!
I think it works because it’s not in your face religious- it’s not like naming your son “Jesus”. Also, it sort of sounds like Arlo which is a name I’ve heard going around recently.
The only consideration I would have is the association with the name “Arianna” which seems to be growing in popularity (it was hovering around the 50 mark in 2011 on the SSA list and seems to be rising vs. the boys name Ari which was around 500). If there are a lot of Arianna’s or Arianne’s in your neighbourhood there also might be a lot of little girls going by “Ari” (or some variant) which could cause some confusion.
Best of luck!
My son is Ariston and we call him Ari most of the time. He introduces himself as Ari when we are in public. We pronounce Ari like (The name of the letter R then the name of the letter E “RE”); this pronunciation is different than how we say the beginning of Ariston. How did Aristotle Onassis pronounce Ari? Lots of people say “Air e” to us. My family was worried at first that Ari sounded Jewish and we are not. I liked that in Hebrew it means lion and our son is a Leo. We chose his full name because of the Greek roots, and since for us Ari is a nickname I never was too concerned about it. I am glad to see, however, that Ari being used by non-Jewish parents does not fall into the Cohen category.
Just another data point–I’ve never lived in an area with a large Jewish population, but I have known two people named Ari, and both were of Greek background. One was Aristotle, and the other was Aristedes; both went by Ari. So I say go with it if you love it!
I didn’t even realize Ari was predominantly a Jewish name, since the only Ari I know is from a Christian family. I also live in an area with a very small Jewish population, so that could be why. So while I don’t think it is odd at all, maybe it depends on the demographics of your area.
So it clearly comes down to 1) If you’re Jewish or live in an area with a decent Jewish population, you would assume an Ari was definitely Jewish and 2) if you’re not Jewish or don’t live in an area with a decent Jewish population, you wouldn’t really have any idea. You can obviously name your kid what ever you’d like. Just know that we Jews (who only make up 1% of the country’s population) will assume your kid is Jewish and be surprised to find out he’s not. Really not that big of a deal in life…..
I just checked with my Jewish co-worker and her response was “Psh, why would it be a problem?” It’s not a holy name. She said her understanding that it’s a derivative of Ariel. (masculine) She said that the name is also known in the Greek culture and not 100% Jewish.
She really couldn’t think of a name that would offend her, as a Jew. Even with Cohen, she considered up to the person and shouldn’t be dictated by anyone other than the chooser.
I’m a girl, and have only met a few male Ari’s throughout my life (22 years old), but I’ve always enjoyed meeting people of the same name. I agree with many people here, there is absolutely no problem with naming your child Ari if you aren’t Jewish. The few people who think he’s Jewish, will be corrected eventually, so what’s the problem? It won’t offend anyone.
That being said, I suggest naming him a “fuller” name so that he could go by Ari, and then maybe return to his full name later on, use it with strangers, etc.
I was born Ariana Rose, but since birth, my family has called me Ari. It allows me to have a name that close friends and family call me, and not feel strange when I have to introduce myself by the same name my parents call me. (There was an entire two years where I refused to use my full name, and only introduced myself as Ari. However, I soon returned to going by Ariana Rose, and asking those who got close to me to call me Ari if they so pleased). I’m not sure if that makes sense.
I just think it’s really comforting to have a name that people who are close to you call you (in this case, Ari for your son) and a longer name that he can introduce himself as if he wants a little more space (such as Ariel, Arien, Arius, Aristotle, etc).
Good luck!
Well, my name is Ari, and I’m not jewish..
should be fine.
No, it’s not odd at all. Ari is not strictly a Jewish name, it is also popular in Scandinavian countries.
GENDER: *Masculine.
USAGE: Ancient Scandinavian, Icelandic, Finnish.
MEANING & HISTORY: Old Norse byname meaning “eagle”.
*Being an Arabella there have been plenty of people in my lifetime that endearingly call me by the name ‘Ari’, which I favour much more than the occasional ‘Bella’!
And there are of course plenty of male names with the nickname ‘Ari’, if you did not want to use it alone, such as: Aristotle, Arius, Aries, Aris etc. (and many variations of these names). Though I myself love the name ‘Ari’ just as a stand alone name.
The name has history across continents and means a number of positive things globally. A child defines there name as they grow in to it. My son Ari isn’t Jewish, nor is he Greek or Scandinavian, but he is definitely an Ari.
My name is Ari and i am definitely not Jewish. My fathers name was Arix and when he died my mom decided to just chop off the X in his name. i am 29 and growing up my name was unheard of, however now it is becoming more and more common. if you like a name then it shouldnt matter the origin.
My son who was born this year is named Ari. I loved the name and he is not jewish. The only issue we have is family and friends call have challenges with pronouncing it and call him Airy. Even spelled Ari or using the R-E as a way to remember we still have issues, but wouldnt have named him different either way.
We named our son Ari who was born August 27th 2015. I love the name and the reason is I’m ashamed to say, of Ari Gold! I loved entourage and loved the character and my wife and I just love the name. We are not Jewish but it really does not matter to me. I’ve been hear some really “out there” names recently and I’m pretty confident he will like it too as he gets older.
My daughter is an Ari, 7 yrs now. I named my daughter Ari Marie. We are Kenyans. I named her after my late mother, Mary. I thought Mary was much to common and opted to give the name a bit of a french twist, hence Marie. I still thought it was too plain, therefore i started looking for a first name to go with it. I really liked Ari, since it was so simple and cute. Also in Africa, not widely used. I liked the meaning since am a christian and i was happy to take my bundle of joy home, with such an exotic name. I totally think if someone likes it, it can be used, even if you have to justify it to suit you as a person and family.
Old post but just in case someone has the same question.. Ari is actually a very common name in Finland. According to this site there are about 35k Finns with this name http://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/Ari (including those for whom it’s not the main one).
That is true, I’m one of those Finnish Aris. It was a very common boys’ name in the 1960’s and 70’s, perhaps not so fashionable at the moment. I never knew about its connection with Jewishness in the USA until when visiting New York several people asked how someone looking so Scandinavian has a Jewish name. I have no idea about the origins of the name in Finnish, and there has been hardly any Jewish people living in Finland, or Greeks.
I am of 8 different nationalities. Yes 8! My grandparents were mixed. I also believe in one world, not “this is mine, this is yours”, so when I name I child, I will choose from one that feels like a good fit. Ari is a fine name, it is not like you are choosing to name a child God, or Jesus or Buddha…. or so forth. ;)
Must we all choose names only within our heritage? That just seems small minded. If you love something there is no bounds. I appreciate bits of all cultures. So I will use what I appreciate. Someone said the name Maria was hispanic, I disagree. It can be used by any culture. My paternal grandmother who was Polish and Ukrainian was named Maria. I have no French in my heritage but if I choose a French name for a child so what? I am so grateful for people that are opening their minds and dropping stigmas. We are the human race so you are all my family. Just my two cents! ;)
I’m not religious at all. Australian born like my fiance, British background. My son is called Ari and I love the name, (obviously). Don’t let anything stop you from nameing your children what ever you want, as long as their loved and cared for. Who cares! Call him/her Cherry Pie, as long as you love them!
When I was pregnant with my son I immediately fell in love with the name Ari and even though I get weird judgmental opinions or the occasional “is that short for something” I do not regret it at all… His name suits him – only a mother knows the name that is best for her child. I think its a beautiful, strong name for a boy.