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Ezra: what's in a name?



I am going to drip feed some shots of Ezra today, along with a little about his name. The name appears to have caused some consternation on some quarters, but as ever, Jen, Henry and I all like it and anyone that doesn't can bugger off back to Sadsville, Kentucky or wherever it is that naysayers reside.

One of the things that appears to have shocked people about this choice of name is the fact that it is quite correctly regarded as a biblical name, despite my lack of any religious faith, and Jen's shocking straying from the Catholic doctrine (don't blame me God, it happened long before I was on the scene).

The other thing is that if people aren't aware of the name's biblical roots, they think that it is a "made up" name. The Hebrew term עֶזְרָא (Ezra) is probably an abbreviation of "Azaryahu" meaning "God helps". I have read other variations that include "helper", "salvation" or "help". Whatever the case, Ezra is a positive, proper name, not some made up monstrosity like "Jaxxon", "Jorja" or "Amberleigh" (i hope that if the parents of these kids are reading this, hang your head in shame).

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Rita said…
Kris - did you see in today's Merc (25/7 Page 17) the bit about the judge in a custody case in NZ launching an attack on the parents of the child in question (9 yrs old) naming her Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii. He ordered that she be placed in court guardianship and her name changed!
I can think of many such parents!
25 July 2008 at 15:11
Neva said…
I love your choice.....and it only matters that you guys like it right? you asked for suggestions and got them and then decided....'nuff said!
25 July 2008 at 15:26
Dina said…
I say you can never go wrong with Biblical names! Good choice!
26 July 2008 at 21:53
USelaine said…
Oh, I love name origins and name meanings and all that stuff! I agree that Ezra is a marvelous choice, for all the reasons you state. I'll add that I like the way it feels in the mouth to say it as well.
27 July 2008 at 15:24
Kris McCracken said…
Well, we're getting more people who like it than don't. I'm kind of surprised so many people haven't heard of it to be honest. It has had a small resurgence in North America and has always had a showing in Israel.
28 July 2008 at 13:22
 gmirage said…
Yes, Ezra is one of the prophets of old, my youngest's name is also from the bible and his was also of a prophet...

Great choice! Ezra wrote about Cyrus the great and King Nebuchadnezzar's era. =)
29 July 2008 at 01:08
a said…
Jorja :D I just HAD to post about how much that made me laugh!

Say yes to names that actually exist. Good choice.
31 July 2008 at 12:59
ezralimm said…
What can i say.. ezra is an awesome name. :p
12 February 2009 at 21:21
Kris McCracken said…
Ezralimm, I think that it is pretty awesome.
13 February 2009 at 06:48
Unknown said…
I am considering the name quite strongly for my expected baby boy. It's interesting to me that the biggest complaint it people not knowing the name or associating the name to be female because of the A at the end. Anyway, I love your commentary. I also LOVE your commentary about stupid, blasted, made-up names and spelling. It's ridiculous, and a tragic trend for all the children who have to live with people assuming their parents were idiots. Love your post. Love the name. Thanks.
6 January 2011 at 17:42
Kris McCracken said…
Brooke, it's interesting how many who previously didn't like the name have embraced it now that Ezra is a bit older. I still think that it's a great name.
6 January 2011 at 18:09
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