Halachot and Customs
The name Aḥinoam Nesiah for a girl
Question
Hello, Rabbi, we want to give our daughter two names.
The first name is Nesiah Aḥinoam, or alternatively Aḥinoam Nesiah.
I really love the name Nesiah, and therefore it is important to me that it be part of the name, because behind this pregnancy there is a very great miracle, and for me this is my expression of gratitude to Hashem, may He be blessed, for there is none other besides Him. Therefore I wanted to call her Nesiah as the first name.
I saw that according to Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu one should not use the letters yud and hei at the end of a word if it is not a name that appears in the Tanach. I also have no problem with the name Aḥinoam, but I so wanted Nesiah throughout the pregnancy.
I have become a little unsettled because of the letters, and I want to make a decision. The child has been without a name for several days already. I would appreciate any insight.
Thank you very much
Answer
Hello,
The name Aḥinoam is good for a girl, since she was King Saul's wife (I Samuel 14:50), and she was also one of King David's wives (ibid. 25:43).
As for the name Nesiah, although Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu of blessed memory held that one should avoid such a name, there is someone who wrote that it is a good name. Therefore, in your case it is recommended to call your daughter Aḥinoam as the first name, which is recommended according to all opinions, and Nesiah as the second name.
With blessings for good tidings and much joy,
Hillel Meirs
