Susan Elkins, past president, Lawrence Jewish Community Center, 917 Highland Drive:

In Jewish tradition, children are named after deceased relatives. It preserves the memory of loved ones from generation to generation. Jews use many biblical names, because those have been the names of our ancestors for over 5,000 years and are still the names of our close relatives. David, Isaac, Joseph, Jonathan, Samuel, Aaron and so on for boys, and Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah, Deborah, Leah, Esther, Ruth and so on for girls, are real names of those whom we have lost. Jewish children also have Hebrew names given to them either during their naming ceremony, if they are girls, or during their circumcision, if they are boys. If they were not given a Hebrew name early in life, they may receive a Hebrew name at their bar or bat mitzvah, confirmation or even for their marriage. Names are usually chosen from the Hebrew names of close deceased relatives to preserve that special bond, and sometimes the entire family helps choose the Hebrew name.

It is also customary if you are called to the Torah during a religious Sabbath service to make a blessing before the reader chants from the Torah scroll, you give your Hebrew name plus the Hebrew names of your mother and father. That name is called out as you approach the Torah. This is an additional way your Hebrew name connects you to the past and reminds you of your links to your parents.

When modern couples choose baby names, they often use the full name or the first letter of a deceased relative’s English name. Or, they might choose a favorite English name and use the Hebrew name of a deceased relative. Thus, American Jews have a wide range of names from which to choose, and there is usually a close connection to biblical names either in English or in Hebrew.

— Send e-mail to Susan Elkins at selkins@ku.edu.

The Rev. Maria Campbell, pastor, Central United Methodist Church, 1501 Mass.:

My name is Maria. My name is among the most popular girl names in 2010. It is the Latin form of the name Mary. Mary, who was Jesus’ mother, was chosen by God for a special role and is highly regarded by religious people. My father’s mother chose my name (our Italian custom). She believed naming me after Mary would bless my life. Some believe that giving a child a biblical name will guide the child to develop the special qualities of that holy person. Others believe that the saint will be a special guardian for the child or an extra layer of protection.

Choosing a child’s name is a big responsibility. This name helps to define and shape them. You need to consider the meaning of the name and the impact that meaning might have upon the child in the future, even when it is a biblical name. The name should befit the person you hope your child to become. For that reason many choose biblical names that exemplify persons of good character. Joshua was a faithful and good leader. Hannah kept her promise to raise her child for God’s service. Conversely, Judas betrayed Jesus, and Jezebel had a few too many sins to list here. Those are names you might want to avoid.

Parents also choose biblical names because of the impact the biblical stories had on their faith journeys. Our spiritual ancestors are women and men who had meaningful relationships with God. Yet, it’s their humanity that is most remarkable. Despite human failings, God equipped and empowered them to accomplish tasks beyond their abilities. It’s what we hope for our children … to be valued and valuable. We want them to lead productive and joy-filled lives. Like many in the Bible, we want them to leave the world a better place.

— Send e-mail to Maria Campbell at cumcpastor@sunflower.com.