עברית
Faith
The Name "Liel" - Is It Good?
Question
I am 36 years old, married about 9 months ago, and I am currently pregnant with my first child. With God's help, I am due to give birth in about two months to a girl. The name I have always wanted (if I have a girl) is Liel, with the intention that I am grateful to Hashem for helping me. A few days ago, I visited a certain website that I do not remember the name of, and I was told that it is preferable not to name a child this name because God belongs to everyone and not just to me. It is important to note that for me, I want to name my child Liel solely with the intention of expressing my gratitude to Hashem for helping me after many prayers. I would appreciate your prompt assistance.
Answer
Hello,
The guiding principle in choosing a name according to Jewish thought is to select a name with positive meaning, and whenever possible, to choose a traditional name that has existed in Judaism for some time, rather than creating new names frequently.
This is the wording of the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah, section 37): "Rabbi Yossi and Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel disagreed on this matter. Rabbi Yossi says: The ancients, knowing their lineage, would name their children based on events that happened to them. But we, since we do not know our lineage, name them after our forefathers. Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel says: The ancients, because they used the Holy Spirit, would name based on events; but we, since we do not use the Holy Spirit, name after our forefathers."
You can find plenty of beautiful names that incorporate your gratitude to the Creator who answered you after many prayers.
Wishing you success and much joy,
Menashe Israel
