Ask the Rabbi
- Family and Society
- The Jewish Household
- Names and Name Changing
Question
Why are Jewish children not named after someone who is alive?
Answer
This is an Ashkenazi custom that is not universally accepted (see Shu"t Yabiya Omer V Yoreh Deah 21 quoting Sefer HaChasiddim 420). There is an advantage in giving a baby the name of someone who has died since this is seen as giving satisfaction to the departed soul (Shu"t Yabiya Omer V Yoreh Deah 21).
Jewish naming culture
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Adar I 26, 5782
Yiddish names
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 12 Tishrei 5766
Nickname
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Cheshvan 24, 5786
