annandatje Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 People can name their children whatever they choose. There is always a reason--religious, family, culture, etc. There will always be people who dislike that reason. I know how one group (and one certain poster who always seems to start it) seems to get their kicks from poking fun at ethnic sounding names. You just have to hope the child is strong enough to handle it. :iagree: I see that Spycar already has covered the issues I posed and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 What if this one is named Raphael, then the next ones are named Donatello and Leonardo? You already have a Michelangelo :D Bill Wow. That brings me back. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 This may be the first time ever that I'm agreeing with Spy Car. Honestly, I would be worried for my child's safety in some parts of the country/world if he was named Zion. I think many people will associate it with religious extremism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 (edited) I would probably not choose Zion as a name. There are some ideas/people/things that are sacred to me or other cultures. I would not choose something like that. It would seem...irreverent I guess. Like Spycar mentioned Zion is also a volatile topic. When naming a kid I try to think about names that would still sound great on the Supreme Court. If someone was named Zion that would freak some out during the nomination process. (And yes, that may sound ridiculous to some people but I think it is a good thing to keep in mind) A name is going to follow someone their entire career....I want something that wears well. Edited October 28, 2012 by Sis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NASDAQ Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 Uziel is pretty awesome! God-is-my-strength. Plus, you get to share your name with a machine gun. I had forgotten about Yearning for Zion ranch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I love Zion James. But honestly, I would feel weird calling a child Zion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenangelcat Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I immediately thought of the big orgy scene in the Matrix in Zion. I'd assume that you were a fan or trying too hard to be edgy. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momacacia Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I like it, and I like the nickname Zi. Kind of like Zachary becomes Zach. I don't have any negative connotations with it, but I guess that is something to consider. If that bothered me, I'd stick it as a middle name and still call him Zi/Zion.;) But, I'm stubborn like that. We also have kids who live up to the meanings of their names (at least so far), both first and middle names, in some way or another. So I'm being very thoughtful about what to name #3. A friend suggested something meaning "prosperous and handsome.":lol: When naming a kid I try to think about names that would still sound great on the Supreme Court. If someone was named Zion that would freak some out during the nomination process. (And yes, that may sound ridiculous to some people but I think it is a good thing to keep in mind) A name is going to follow someone their entire career....I want something that wears well. This can be a good reason to put the 'questionable' name in the middle. But still, a guy with an Arabic/Muslim middle name got into the Oval Office just a few years after Muslim extremists attacked the US and a dictator by the same name was captured and executed. Didn't seem to hold back the Prez.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JVA Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 Our niece and her dh have a little Zion- about 18 mths old. Darling boy..darling name. If someone doesn't know about the name, it would be a great lead-in to share with someone about God and His chosen people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in KY Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 Maybe you could go with James Zion instead of Zion James? I will point out that while it seems a large percent of people posting say they like the name, it's a biased sample. Most of the people that dislike it are being too polite to post. I almost didn't post myself, but then I had to agree with Bill. Neighbors told me that a previous resident of our house named his child Jihad. (This was after Sept 11.) I doubt using such a loaded name helped him fit in better in the non-Muslim neighborhood. I imagine that many Muslims might feel similarly uncomfortable around a person named Zion. :iagree:, particularly with the bolded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in KY Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 This may be the first time ever that I'm agreeing with Spy Car. Honestly, I would be worried for my child's safety in some parts of the country/world if he was named Zion. I think many people will associate it with religious extremism. Me too! Never thought the day would come. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 .... Plus it carries a heavy load. I think most people would wonder if the child's parents were either: A) militant Jewish nationalists B) Fringe Mormon separatists C) Christian fundamentalists D) Fans of Bob Marley who'd smoked a little too much ganja But your call. Bill Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 My ds had a friend named Zion when he was young. He was called Zi. I like it. Yeah, he will totally be "Zi". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 Don't like it. It is not the name of an angel so it doesn't fit a "theme" (of which I am also not a fan). It is not a pretty sounding name. Plus it carries a heavy load. I think most people would wonder if the child's parents were either: A) militant Jewish nationalists B) Fringe Mormon separatists C) Christian fundamentalists D) Fans of Bob Marley who'd smoked a little too much ganja But your call. Bill Lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sevilla Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 Thoughts on Zion - I like it :). It makes me think of the rap song by Lauren Hill whose son was named Zion - he's a grandchild of Bob Marley IIRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I wouldn't choose it, but I've known 2 people named Thor now & while I was at first surprised, now I just think of it as a strong Nordic name. As long as I can say it and spell it I'm ok with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakim Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 It was on our short list (final 4) for the last few pregnancies. Love. But then, our little guys have dreadlocks . . . perhaps dh smoked a little too much ganga way back in the day :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I wouldn't use it for the reasons Spycar listed in addition to the fact that I personally don't like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I wouldn't use it, for reasons mentioned by many other posters. I would especially not use it for a boy, as the only Zions I have known have been girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ipsey Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I wouldn't choose it, but I've known 2 people named Thor now & while I was at first surprised, now I just think of it as a strong Nordic name. As long as I can say it and spell it I'm ok with it. I too have a friend named Thor. I think, perhaps without the connection, I wouldn't like the name, but as it is--I like it. (though i probably wouldn't choose it for one of my children). My Thor-friend is black-haired, probably 130 pounds and 5'2". :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I too have a friend named Thor. I think, perhaps without the connection, I wouldn't like the name, but as it is--I like it. (though i probably wouldn't choose it for one of my children). My Thor-friend is black-haired, probably 130 pounds and 5'2". :) Both Thors I've known have been 6'2" or taller and blonde. They were also of Nordic decent, common in our area, so perhaps family names. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 This can be a good reason to put the 'questionable' name in the middle. But still, a guy with an Arabic/Muslim middle name got into the Oval Office just a few years after Muslim extremists attacked the US and a dictator by the same name was captured and executed. Didn't seem to hold back the Prez.;) Barack means Blessing. However his middle name, Hussein, has been used by people nonstop when they want to be nasty. I said Supreme Court because IMO "The People" as a whole tend to be more understanding than Congress. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 No, I don;t like the name, basically for the reasons Spy Car mentioned though the Matrix allusion is nothing I would want my kid named for either. I like traditional names for children but I never comment on people who name their kids less traditional names except in a case like this- where I think the name could give a bad reputation. I could see an employer not wanting to employ someone with this name because of the idea that the employee may be some kind of fundamentalist. I think having the name James Zion Lastname takes care of the employment problem since he could always use James Z. Lastname. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonderchica Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 What about Azariah? It means "He whom God has helped". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 It is a politically charged name. I would not saddle a kid with such a huge lifelong burden as that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 Not loving Zion as a name, both for the negative connotations it will inspire, but also because IMO, it's a little too unusual. Honestly, I wouldn't even know if it was supposed to be for a boy or a girl. I know I'm boring, but I'm all in favor of "normal" (easy to spell and pronounce) names, especially for boys. I always feel like, if parents loves odd names, they should change their own names instead of burdening their child with a name that people will always shake their heads at, ask him to repeat, ask him to spell, or ask him what it means. I know I'll probably get flamed for saying that, but it's how I feel. :blush: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 Given that this thread is over three years old, I'm guessing the OP already decided on a name. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 (edited) :zombiechase: Edited February 2, 2016 by Ellie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 It struck me as odd when I very first read it, and then grew on me rapidly. I like it, but I did think it was odd and I did think "what an odd name" thoughts the first few seconds. But then it grew on me rapidly. Kind-of like Aubrey, and I even thought it when Jackson and Carter were new to me. But not anymore than other new-to-me names. I am getting old enough now that I have this response to a lot of baby names. For me there is no connotation beyond the "it is not familar" feeling, but I have manners and I think I always get over that feeling quickly when I am meeting kids. And for people around little kids ---- I doubt it will be the most unusual name. For adults -- it is hard to say what will seem like an odd name 20+ years from now. Very, very hard. I hear people say that, but it is just a blanket argument for a "classic" name. And compelling in its way, but only if that is what you choose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coco_Clark Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 My kids have original names, I love original names. And I actually adore Zion... But if be very hesitant to name a child something with so many negative connotations. I also love the sound of Jezebel...but I'm not going to use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gil Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 (edited) I've known a few Zions and all but one of them is female. And 2 of them passed away as children/teens. I know an adult male named Zion/Xion, he hates his name and goes by his lastname. Edited February 2, 2016 by Gil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gil Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 Well, Jubilee has a Jewish connotation but people don't necessarily associate it that way anymore. My first name is Jewish but only Jewish people know that. But Zion is a very Christian name as well, actually. Raphael is not in our canon of Scripture. Plus I'm not a fan of Raffi. I grew up on XMen comics. I associate Jubilee with the little Wolverine fangirl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momacacia Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 I like it for a boy name but not necessarily a man's name. I do like Z names, though, like Zoe (but I'd give that to a girl). And my kids have "unusual" names of Greek, Italian, Hebrew origins (none of which we originate from genetically, lol). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julikins Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 I like it. I've been thinking about some Biblical names I had never considered while I was naming my kids that I now love and have added a few recently. Girl: Galilee -- Nickname Lily Genesis -- Nickname Gennie Jubilee -- Nickname Juju Eden Boy: Judah Zion Jordan I don't mind names that have origin in place names. How many of our now common names are old English/Gaelic or other language place names? Glenn, Brook, Dale, etc. All gorgeous, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julikins Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 I just looked upthread and realized that this thread is old. Oh well :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 I think it's a name that would carry a stereotype, throughout his adult life even. My first thought is of a zealous Jewish community. That doesn't make it right or wrong, just something to consider. One of my dd's has a very Jewish name, and her nickname is even more Jewish, even though we are not Jewish. She has had many, many people refer to her as Jewish, and just assume she is. (She is actually named after a real Jewish woman who really inspired me. My dd likes it very much! :)) But Zion, in my mind, goes beyond that in its meaning. Again, not right or wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 I don't care for it. Somehow, the sound of it makes me feel like you are making a statement that he is the last. I am not sure why. Plus, it seems not open ended. Like, his life is already decided for him. It seems like it would hold him in one box, not let him be free to be him. As if others will make assumptions about him based on the name. But, this is your baby, not mine. You might hate my children's names. You should go with what you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorn Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 The child from the OP is probably 3 years old now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 (edited) Zombie thread. Weird that is was bumped. Edited February 3, 2016 by Shellydon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 Now I'm curious. Did the op use the name? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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