Naming Children: Difference between revisions

# If the child is the product of a broken marriage, some recommend not naming the baby for members of either family to avoid aggravation from the opposite side.<ref>Chashukei Chemed Gittin 26b</ref>

# Ultimately, every family should follow its custom.<ref>Shaarei Halacha uMinhag vol. 3 Yoreh Deah pg 297</ref>

# Although it’s unclear when the practice of giving a child two names began, as we don’t find anybody in Tanach, Shas, or even Rishonim (except for one exception) with two names, it certainly has become commonplace to do so.<ref> Noda BeYehuda (Orach Chaim II 123), Chatam Sofer (Even HaEzer II 18)</ref>

# Adding or modifying a name avoids issues of naming after living relatives or people whom one should not name after, such as a Rasha or someone who died young/tragically, according to those who are concerned.<ref>See above sources about naming after the living concerns and Torat Chesed (Even HaEzer 39)</ref> However, according to some, a double name is one composite name and not two partial ones, so it does not bear any connection to the two parts it represents. Therefore, one would not be in fulfillment of honoring anybody by using two names.<ref>Chazon Ish as reported in Pe’er HaDor vol. 4 page 200, Teshuvot veHanhagot (vol. 1 606, 608), Orchot Rabbeinu (vol. 4 Keriat Shem 5 in the new edition, and vol. 3 Brit Milah 3 in the old edition)</ref> Many authorities disagree, though,<ref>Ben Ish Chai (Shanah II, Shofetim 27), Yam Shel Shelomo (Gittin 4:31)</ref> but some say that using two names for two people would nevertheless not be as potent as purely naming after one person.<ref>Shalmei Simcha page 452</ref>. Indeed, this may be parallel to a similar discussion in Hilchot Gittin regarding the same issue of whether one name is two names or one composite one<ref>See Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 129) and commentary, as well as Sdei Chemed (vol. 6 Maarechet Get Siman 35-36), and Avnei Nezer (Even HaEzer 175) at great length</ref>, some think it's an independent issue.<ref>Mishpat HaKetubah vol. 2 pages 86, 139</ref>

# Shalmei Simcha chapter 67

# [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735718/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/choosing-a-name-for-a-child/ Choosing a Name for a Child] by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz

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[[Category:Lifecycles]]