| I recently had the opportunity to conduct a short but | | | | the meanings and spiritual significance of these names |
| fascinating print interview with Judith Tropea, author of | | | | might be.The name Dannah literally means "judging." It |
| the recently-published book, "Classic Biblical Baby | | | | signifies a woman who stands for justice and fair play. |
| Names - Timeless Names for Modern Parents."At the | | | | Ivah means "overturning," and it is a reminder that faith |
| outset, I was struck by a quotation from the book's | | | | can move mountains. Zaccai means "just," or "seeker |
| introduction -- a quotation from Proverbs, 22:1, "A good | | | | of justice." I was beginning to understand what the |
| name is to be chosen rather than great riches." Rather | | | | author meant about names affecting our |
| a bold statement, I thought, especially when many of | | | | self-perception.The boy's name Asher means "happy" |
| us hold "great riches" in such high esteem!What is | | | | or "blessed." Barak, a name currently very prominent |
| there to say about a biblical name, or any name for | | | | because of the senator from Illinois, means' "flash of |
| that matter, that could make it so important? After all, | | | | lightning," and the spiritual connotation is "powered by |
| isn't a name just a name? As Shakespeare said, | | | | God." Jakim means "God lifts up," and it symbolizes a |
| "what's in a name? A rose by any other name would | | | | man who lives his life as an example to other |
| smell as sweet."But would it?In her book, Judith Tropea | | | | people.Quite a remarkable group of names. "Classic |
| notes that "Names are an integral part of our identity. | | | | Biblical Baby Names" is filled with examples of names |
| A child's name affects his or her self-perception and | | | | like these, spelling out their literal and spiritual meanings, |
| reflects the parents' beliefs and cultures. A name pays | | | | and how the names crop up in different biblical stories. |
| tribute to the individual spirit and is one of the first | | | | Some of the names are quite well known, such as |
| wonderful gifts you can offer your child." When I asked | | | | Adam, Paul, or Elizabeth; others, like Darius or Calah, |
| her about this during our conversation, she said "A | | | | are much more obscure. After my conversation with |
| biblical name gives a baby a connection to spirituality | | | | Judith Tropea, I found myself wanting to dig into her |
| that may be a springboard to finding spirituality later in | | | | book more, to see what other little-known names and |
| life."I think that's a pretty good reason for prospective | | | | meanings are lurking in there.I also found myself in the |
| parents to consider the names in the bible. and see | | | | odd position of having to disagree with Shakespeare. |
| what a treasure trove of names might be between | | | | Much as the great Bard knew his stuff, on this point I |
| the covers.At my urging, Judith Tropea came up with 3 | | | | think he was mistaken -- a rose, by any other name, |
| suggestions each for boy's and girl's names from the | | | | sometimes may not smell as sweet.Neil Street is |
| bible that are a little out of the ordinary, and that carry | | | | co-publisher of Baby Names Garden, a website |
| a positive spiritual message. For girls, the names were | | | | dedicated to helping prospective parents choose a |
| Dannah, Ivah, and Zaccai. For boys, Asher, Barak, and | | | | baby name. You can find the full text of his interview |
| Jakim. I grabbed my copy of her book to see what | | | | with Judith Tropea about biblical baby names there. |