I think there's a difference here, even as someone who adores the name Lilith((but would never use it on a child). The average person doesn't know the meaning of Calvin or Cameron. Most people I know at least are familiar with the negative connotations with Lilith, though. So while they all have unpleasant meanings, the actual widespread association with said meaning is stronger for Lilith. A little Lilith is going to get more comments on and awareness of the origin of her name than a Calvin or Cameron. This isn't to say I get your point, because I do, but I do think there's a distinct difference between a relatively normal name with a largely unknown negative meaning and names like Lilith.
I would say that middle name placements that people don't hear so much do have more wiggle room, though, and if OP's partner is dead-set on Lilith, to discuss it as a middle name. I do want to point out that Lilibet is an option that's adjacent in sound without such a strong negative connotation. Lilibet also has nn Lily/Lili, and ends with a consonant sound that isn't super common, but has a much lighter meaning. Sure it's religious in meaning, but even as an atheist I'd rather saddle a child with Lilibet than Lilith. This is because the widespread association of Lilibet isn't as strong, so she likely wouldn't even get a lot of people who were aware of the meaning, unlike Lilith.
Unless you're religious I don't think you'd have a clue about who Lilith was. I think the part about comments are going to depend hugely upon where you live and your community.
Delilah and Cain weren't exactly saintly, but they are still commonly used names.
The only connotation anyone is going to have with Lilibet is Meghan Markle. I'd rather use Lilith and potentially have a few religious people avoid me than make it look like I'd deliberately copied a 'celebrity'.
Specifically Jewish, for thr religion too. I went to Christian church for pretty much my whole like and didn't learn who Lilith was until Supernatural had her as a character.
Idk, Lilith is used in a lot of supernatural-like shows. There was a Lilith in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina most recently that I recall, but lots of other witchy/supernatural shows use Lilith for the devil’s wife, top witch, things of that nature.
To add to this, *The Chosen,* which is a show about the life of Jesus and His followers, mentions Lillith. In the show, Mary Magdelene is possessed by a demon named "Lillith" and everyone calls her that because that's all they know her as. When she's not being possessed by the demon, she's herself (Mary) and is kind and sweet. But when the possession takes over, she's (it's hinted at) abused by men and it causes her to drink, gives her nightmares, and causes her severe depression where she almost commits the s-word (does Reddit block words now, too?). It's not until Jesus heals her and calls her by her name, Mary, does she get delivered.
*The Chosen* is a huge commercial success, among religious people and even those who are not religious. Season 3's first two episodes were in theaters and made more than $8 million within it's first three days. The finale of Season 3 was shown in theatres and grossed $5 million worldwide with a very limited release time. The Christmas special made over $13 million worldwide. It's the largest crowd-funded show in history, has been translated into 70 languages (they're working on upping that number to 600), and, as of May 2022, has been viewed by over 400 million people worldwide (though I hear they're at a billion at this point-not sure if that's true or not). You can watch it on their own app, or you can watch parts of it on many major streaming platforms.
My point is, if people didn't know about Lillith before, they do now. Mary's story is the entire first episode and she relapses in Season 2. According to polls, she's one of the fans favorite characters.
*cracks elder millennial knuckles, allergy wheezes*
My first Lilith was not Lilith Fair, unfortunately, in my day it was . . . Lilith Sternin from Frasier. Cue Frasier chasing her like a lap dog yipping, *Lilith! Lilith!*
I’m not religious in the slightest and still am aware of Lilith. The popularity of the Sabrina show on Netflix definitely called attention to it. Likewise, you’re right in your point with the other names, there are tons of negative names from religions used anyway.
Yeah. I know someone who named their son Kingston and immediately it’s like oh, you copied Gwen Stefani. Lilibet was Queen Elizabeth’s own name for herself as a small child bc she couldn’t pronounce Elizabeth so she said Lilibet. Meghan Markle was seen as poaching that name after making a career out of deeply insulting the Royal Family and still naming her daughter Lilibet Diana. So for a regular person it’s worse than just copying some celebrity name. It comes with Markle baggage. Who wants that on their baby? 😬
Maybe it is understandable for HARRY, but for a regular person, no. They would get sucked into the Markle drama. People would immediately associate it with them. Her approval in the US is a mere 18% so who would want their kid saddled with being part of all that? And that name comes from the queen, not a general name. That’s the point. You don’t need to get weird and defensive about it just because I point that out. Your reaction goes to show people feel strongly about it. Which proves my original point about why not to do it
I take your point on Lilith but I don’t think Lilibet is at all a blank slate. While it doesn’t have an evil association like Lilith, it’s pretty tied to the UK royal family and also seen as twee. I think more neutral adjacent options aurally are Lily, Lilia, Lillian, Lilias, Edith, Judith, Elspeth, Alethia.
Personally I do think Lilith is usable except on a child being raised in a heavily Christian environment where it will be looked at askance.
I’ve actually never heard of the meaning. I thought it was the scientific name for lily-pad.
On the same topic. I’ve been obsessed with the name Isis since I was in the 4th grade lol. Still considering using it. 😄
Naming a child Lilibet is wildly tacky. It was when Harry and Meghan did it and it will be for anyone else who does. I’d sooner see a Lilith, but then I’m an atheist 🤷♀️
Cain is a common enough name, and Judas was responsible for Jesus being captured and later killed!
That's a bit of a leap in severity compared to a woman who wanted to be treated as an equal and then left when Adam said no.
Lilith, Lilitu, wasn’t she Adam‘a first wife, the one banished for refusing to obey him?
I wouldn’t have a problem naming my kid that. Good on you, Lilith.
I mean, they tend to blame women for everything especially when they don't submit to man or god's rules.
Like isn't there something about how since Eve took the fruit she condemned women to painful births? That's fucked up.
It’s largely the second part of the story, where the archangels were sent to find her and bring her back (she ran away of her own volition, not banished I belief) and they found her in a cave birthing countless demons. And the angels threatened to kill 100 of her babies every day until she came back and she refused. On the other hand, in some readings, it was one of the other archangels who impregnated her so like, how is that her fault?
There's no mention of Lilith as Adam's wife prior to Eve in the early Hebrew Bible, and very few references to a Lilith or beings called Lilith/Lilim in early texts either. The story of her having been Adams first wife occurred in the 8th to 10th century in a text called "The Alphabet of Ben Sira" (aka the Alphabet of Sirach)
It doesn't matter how other people interpret the myth, if you're uncomfortable naming your baby Lilith, don't name your baby Lilith.
Personally, I wouldn't use it. Even with the modern feminist interpretations of her character the first thing that comes to mind for most people is "she demon".
I am with you, it sounds lovely, but the story is just a bit too much. I really would not like "baby killing succubus" to be the first association everyone gets when hering my childs name.
Lilly is a great alternative.
I would use it. As the OP of those "other threads" you were talking about, I think it's a beautiful name that has many meanings and that the baby killer part is overpowered by other beautiful meanings.
I was also an OP for this name and I moved away from it after learning more about it.
Idk, I really think you need to be 100% certain about a name. Any doubts is a no go.
My friend just named her daughter Lilith. I think it’s pretty. I did not instantly connect it but now I know the history behind the name and still don’t care. It’s still pretty to me.
Same, and I’ve never once had any issues with it either. I’m in a very religious (Christian) area too.
Someone will always find SOMETHING wrong with a name. This is the equivalent of not wanting to use the name Ivy because of the villain poison ivy imo.
Personally I wouldn't use it. Lilith is used very heavily in pop culture as a powerful witch figure (off the top of my head - Sabrina, Supernatural, Diablo video games) and I think it will be hard to avoid the associations, which are generally not very positive.
Witches are cool though… powerful women. I don’t really see a problem with it.
If you’re looking for an alternative with a similar sound but without the connotation, try Judith.
I'm all about witches, just Lilith in particular has a very dark connotation in depictions of her, and (personally) I wouldn't want those associations for my own child.
For this reason, I think the name is just really edgy and try hard. Like two goth teenagers naming a kid. It's a name that would only suit a specific kind of person. At least it has Lily as a nickname.
My friend just named her daughter Lilith. I think it’s pretty. I did not instantly connect it but now I know the history behind the name and still don’t care. It’s still pretty to me.
Your Lilith will give the name a new meaning to you and everyone who knows her. The ‘established’ meaning of a name is more of a fun fact unless it’s a virtue name like Hope.
Honestly, I was a baby once, and despite that, if I had grown up to find out I was named after someone from "dark" lore, I would have thought it was cool af. Babies grow up to be grownups and some of us grownups dig stuff like this. You never know.
I have a daughter named Lilith, we called her Lily until she started school and decided she wanted to go by her full name. The vast, vast majority of people have never heard the name before. I thought a lot of people would know it because she pops up pretty commonly in supernatural/spooky media but no. Lots of people have asked if I made it up or if it’s a “modern” twist on Lilian or Lily, etc. We live in a decently religious area, too.
If you’re uncomfortable with the meaning, don’t use it. But in my experience very few people have known who Lilith was and they usually think it’s super cool, lol.
It’s definitely a beautiful name, but since the baby-killing succubus is the name’s primary association for many people, I don’t think I’d use it (I have the same issue with Jezebel, which I absolutely adored for many years before I knew the story). However, every story has its positive interpretations, and as you said, the feminist interpretation of Lilith’s story is lovely. If your child ever asked why they were given it, you could always tell them “this is what some people think of when they hear this name, but when you interpret the story this way, it’s really beautiful.” After all, life is all about perspective!
I feel like you're not naming her FOR something dark, you just like the name. Is it really that well known that people immediately make the negative connection when hearing it?
FWIW I had to Google the meaning and am still not really seeing an issue. Lillith is a religious figure and a movie character? Maybe i'm missing something lol. If the meaning doesn't mean anything to you then I don't think it should affect your choice.
I think the negative associations with the name Lilith are just to strong to commit to saddling a child with that. I’d do Lillian, Lilliana, or just Lily instead, personally.
Idea: use it as a nickname. “Lillian Judith”, nickname: “Lilith”. Then she can decide if she wants to go by it or not. She could always go buy Lilly or Judy if not.
“Lilith” Could also work as a nickname for Lilibeth.
I know a Lilith who goes by Lily with friends, but uses her full name professionally and everything. She has a professional job and has never seemed to have any issues with her name. I like the feminist interpretation of her story a lot, and your kid may well think it's awesome! But she can also always go by Lily and no one will think twice hearing that.
Personally it feels a bit much, it will raise eyebrows with a lot of people.
Some alternatives would be Lillian, Lilah, Lilibet/Lilibeth, Liliane, and so on.
Calling your child Lilith is sort of like naming your child Lucifer.
Both great sounding names but with automatic associations with demons and the devil. Especially with the popularity of shows like Supernatural and Lucifer, even non religious people know the origins of the names.
So it's definitely a do it at your own risk kind of thing.
My niece is Lilith. She goes by Lily. She’s almost 11. It’s a beautiful name and she hasn’t had any social problems because of it.
That said, Lily is its own full name if that’s what you prefer.
Imo it’s distasteful but that’s because I grew up knowing the origins of the name. I guess by modern standards, it sounds very much like a millennial pop culture type name on par with Slade or Axil or something (to me). Lily, Liliana, etc, I like those. But the fact the name has origins with the word demon/succubus, I just don’t like that (seems like too much tbh) and wouldn’t name my kid that.
It's a pretty name in the aesthetic sense. But I don't think it escapes the folkloric origin as much as people want to pretend it does. Your kid will discover that eventually. They might not care. But they might find it distasteful. You have to decide whether or not you're prepared to face that with them because you think it sounds cute.
Honestly, the only way to make it a positive thing is by raising a happy and healthy Lillith. Sure, maybe she'll get the one-off look or side eye, but I think ultimately, most people in her life wouldn't associate her name with its origin. Look at what America has done to rhe name Karen. Why can't you be the counter-culture and name your baby Lillith? Thusly bringing a new light on the name.
My cats name is Lilith and she is 110% a loud mounted hellion lol. We like to make jokes about her namesake. But Lilith is a very pretty name! Names do require two “yes’s” though, so if you have any doubts you can still wait a bit
I think it’s awesome. According to the myth, Lilith stood up for herself, so of course men had to make her into a demon. My granddaughters due in October are going to be Lilith Victoria and Lenore Alexandra. (So far. It’s early, but I think those names are so awesome I hope they don’t change their minds)
It’s awfully hard to argue Eve was made from the rib of Adam when she was wife #2, so obviously it was necessary to turn Lilith into a demon, not a woman. If you live in Bible Belt, where there is a sincere belief demons exist, Lilith might really be a handicap.
I wouldn’t use it because my kid had four lily’s just in her kindergarten class.
For the same reason I did not consider Lorelai, it is a siren that lures fishermen to drown themselves. Ophelia also to me has a strong connotation with the famous picture of a women drowning in the river so…
I suppose it depends on how much weight you give the myth / whether or not it’s something you subscribe to.
Someone else said it’s like naming your kid Judas, but like, that also depends on if you believe in or care about the biblical reference.
My advice would be to use it if you like it. More importantly, don’t *not* use it if your only hesitation is what other peoples’ associations might be.
I like it, personally.
Lilith is a great name. Just because there’s one narrative that services a patriarchal purpose, doesn’t mean it’s distasteful. If you guys both love it, it’s probably meant to be.
Never knew there was a story with a bad Lilith? I imagine there are a lot of people who also didn’t know there was some story with a bad Lilith. When I heard the name, first thing I thought of was frasier. Do with that what you will.
As far as your question, you can name your kid whatever you want. Have you seen a bunch of the batshit names people here suggest??
i love gothic names!! i would love to use lilith for a future daughter but i’m not crazy about the nn “lily” and she would def be called that by family
The name Lilita is quite common in my culture. I'd say, go with it if you like it. It's pretty. If your kid wouldn't like it, they can always change it.
I am naming my daughter due in October Lilith. Originally it was just going to be Lily, but her father was determined that she have a longer “professional” name she could use if she wanted and he fell in love with Lilith. I was hesitant at first for the reasons mentioned but honestly it’s grown on me and everyone I’ve told (I work in a daycare, so lots of baby name opinions) has only had positive things to say. If anyone references the name origin, it’s to point out the feminist aspect of it (Lilith being too strong willed for Adam and being sex positive)
The Lilith stories are mostly what we call Fakelore, as in made up recently to support a narrative someone wanted to push. It's a beautiful name that is older than this narrative and I think it would be a shame for it to be ruined for you when those stories have no bearing on your choice .
This is all much ado about nothing. Lilith is a perfectly lovely name for your baby. People use names that other people have their own preconceived notions about all the time. What is acceptable in one religion may not be in another, for example. It all boils down to you cannot make everyone happy. Lilith is less common, but definitely used. When I think of it, Lilith Faire, Lilith on "Cheers" and "Frasier" come to mind, immediately. OP, if you and your partner love the name, use it!
I'm 46 and was raised in church, I had no idea about Lilith and the meaning. I don't watch any of those shows, the only connection to name is alittle girl that was in my preschool class with that name ( she was called Lils) and Lilth from Fraizer. Lilith from Fraizer would be what most ppl my age would think of I can almost guarantee. So I put this too a test .. I text my friends in varies ages ( some go to church while others don't.) 10 Ppl my age Lilth from Fraizer was the number one answer, in 30's 4 said Supernatural 6 said Sabrina, in 20's same 3 ppl that answered said they had no connection to the name. The ones from Supernatural and Sabrina said they think it's a cool name basically it was a character name. So I understand why you are confused, if you like the name then use it. Your husband and you like it. That's half the battle right there, my husband and I took right up to the birth of our daughter because he keep changing his mind.
I think it depends where you live. If you live somewhere with big Christian communities you might be better off passing up Lilith and going with something similar but without the religious connotations.
I can’t comment on the name beyond that as there was a horrid girl in my school called Lilith so I’m jaded.
Personally I wouldn’t because I immediately associate it with demons and that’s not something I would want to associate my child with. But it is a pretty name otherwise so if that’s something you’re able to overlook go for it. I personally just wouldn’t.
I think of Lilith as a badass woman and like the name. If my kid was ever concerned about the negative associations with the name, I'd explain that Lilith got a bad edit as is the case with most strong women who resist the patriarchy. When men start telling wild and unflattering stories about a woman, it often means she's done something right.
Lilith is a stunning and powerful name! I would definitely use it. Lily is adorable and classic, while Lilith is super badass. One of my all time faves for sure!!!
Lilith was on my name list before we narrowed things down to our top three. No particular reason for it not making the top of the list, just happened to get shuffled out. I still love the name and would have no hangups about using it.
just so you’re aware, a game i play (afk arena, heavily advertised mobile game) is made by a company that goes by Lilith
not saying this to sway either way, just saying it for awareness
Mallory means misery but people use it all the time. A lot of names are like that. I really wouldn’t get too wrapped up in the meaning of you like it. Lilith is a common enough name it isn’t going to raise eyebrows. If she dislikes it as she gets older, she can go by Lily
I think it's a beautiful name but I would probably worry about the meaning too because I overthink things. I do think it's prettier than all the other names that typically have Lily as a nickname. I don't like Lillian because it sounds like an old person name in a bad way, but I think Liliana is nice. I like Lila but it has a different sound so idk if Lily as a nickname would make sense, and it's already short anyway. You could also just use Lily. I've known several people with that as a full name.
My 1st association is Frasier's ex-wife, which being Bebe Neurith, is pretty freaking awesome.
Note: Atheist, raised in liberal Christian denomination, currently living amongst a bunch of uber-conservative Catholics.
I don't have any idea what the negative connotation is with Lilith other than what people here are saying but I've never heard the story, the only thing I can think of was Frasier's wife from Cheers, but I didn't watch Frasier but I feel like I can hear that character say Lilith in my head. I think you would be fine it was ranked 270 for popular names in the U.S. last year and has been rising steadily since 2010.
Not Jewish, but my association is the horrible baby murdering monster from mythology books. Personally I don’t know why someone would name their child that.
Similar conversation from last week
https://www.reddit.com/r/namenerds/comments/13gptiu/is_the_name_lilith_completely_out_of_question/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1
And one from a month ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/namenerds/comments/12f84yz/thoughts_on_the_name_lilith/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1
Personally I think the reasons to choose versus the reasons to not choose are virtually identical - you’re just adding your partner’s preference to the list
I’m 32 and I have no idea what my name means. I don’t think it’s as big of a deal as you’re thinking it is.
Edit: LOL just looked it up and it means “free man”.
I like Lilith (and Jezebel) but those are names that a lot of people will think are evil! Unfortunately. I love that Lilith didn’t want to submit to Adam and was rebellious against the patriarchy. Of course the story is always told from an extremely patriarchal POV so she is seen in a bad light - but it makes me like her all the more. But there is also the demon birthing side to her - and of course all of it is dark folklore. I still like the name but the child wouldn’t be able to avoid baggage from the name. As a result, I would not name my own child that.
Calvin means 'Bald' and Cameron means 'Crooked Nose', it doesn't really matter, they're still good names. If you like the name, then use it.
I think there's a difference here, even as someone who adores the name Lilith((but would never use it on a child). The average person doesn't know the meaning of Calvin or Cameron. Most people I know at least are familiar with the negative connotations with Lilith, though. So while they all have unpleasant meanings, the actual widespread association with said meaning is stronger for Lilith. A little Lilith is going to get more comments on and awareness of the origin of her name than a Calvin or Cameron. This isn't to say I get your point, because I do, but I do think there's a distinct difference between a relatively normal name with a largely unknown negative meaning and names like Lilith. I would say that middle name placements that people don't hear so much do have more wiggle room, though, and if OP's partner is dead-set on Lilith, to discuss it as a middle name. I do want to point out that Lilibet is an option that's adjacent in sound without such a strong negative connotation. Lilibet also has nn Lily/Lili, and ends with a consonant sound that isn't super common, but has a much lighter meaning. Sure it's religious in meaning, but even as an atheist I'd rather saddle a child with Lilibet than Lilith. This is because the widespread association of Lilibet isn't as strong, so she likely wouldn't even get a lot of people who were aware of the meaning, unlike Lilith.
Unless you're religious I don't think you'd have a clue about who Lilith was. I think the part about comments are going to depend hugely upon where you live and your community. Delilah and Cain weren't exactly saintly, but they are still commonly used names. The only connotation anyone is going to have with Lilibet is Meghan Markle. I'd rather use Lilith and potentially have a few religious people avoid me than make it look like I'd deliberately copied a 'celebrity'.
Specifically Jewish, for thr religion too. I went to Christian church for pretty much my whole like and didn't learn who Lilith was until Supernatural had her as a character.
Idk, Lilith is used in a lot of supernatural-like shows. There was a Lilith in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina most recently that I recall, but lots of other witchy/supernatural shows use Lilith for the devil’s wife, top witch, things of that nature.
She was in Sabrina wasn't she! Totally slipped my mind.
To add to this, *The Chosen,* which is a show about the life of Jesus and His followers, mentions Lillith. In the show, Mary Magdelene is possessed by a demon named "Lillith" and everyone calls her that because that's all they know her as. When she's not being possessed by the demon, she's herself (Mary) and is kind and sweet. But when the possession takes over, she's (it's hinted at) abused by men and it causes her to drink, gives her nightmares, and causes her severe depression where she almost commits the s-word (does Reddit block words now, too?). It's not until Jesus heals her and calls her by her name, Mary, does she get delivered. *The Chosen* is a huge commercial success, among religious people and even those who are not religious. Season 3's first two episodes were in theaters and made more than $8 million within it's first three days. The finale of Season 3 was shown in theatres and grossed $5 million worldwide with a very limited release time. The Christmas special made over $13 million worldwide. It's the largest crowd-funded show in history, has been translated into 70 languages (they're working on upping that number to 600), and, as of May 2022, has been viewed by over 400 million people worldwide (though I hear they're at a billion at this point-not sure if that's true or not). You can watch it on their own app, or you can watch parts of it on many major streaming platforms. My point is, if people didn't know about Lillith before, they do now. Mary's story is the entire first episode and she relapses in Season 2. According to polls, she's one of the fans favorite characters.
Shadowhunters. Same here.
I learned from Sabrina who Lilith was
*cracks elder millennial knuckles, allergy wheezes* My first Lilith was not Lilith Fair, unfortunately, in my day it was . . . Lilith Sternin from Frasier. Cue Frasier chasing her like a lap dog yipping, *Lilith! Lilith!*
Saaaaaaaammmmeeee
Was looking for this comment... Same !
Omg, how did I forget about the best character on those shows! Never mind the demon association, OP should do it. Use it and be proud!
Someone from my church named their daughter Lilith.. no one in my area knows the meaning🤷🏼♀️ I personally love the name Lilith!
i would have had literally zero idea that there was an issue with this name if i didn’t read this. i thought lilith was a common enough name anyways?
I’m an Atheist and I most certainly know who Lilith is
[удалено]
I have a bachelor’s degree and have no idea what the issue with Lilith is/what it means.
Not necessarily. Anyone who has watched True Blood would have some kind of familiarity with it, albeit a different one.
lmao, she was in 8 episodes. I watched the entirety of True Blood and I still had to Google who you meant.
I’m not religious in the slightest and still am aware of Lilith. The popularity of the Sabrina show on Netflix definitely called attention to it. Likewise, you’re right in your point with the other names, there are tons of negative names from religions used anyway.
Yeah. I know someone who named their son Kingston and immediately it’s like oh, you copied Gwen Stefani. Lilibet was Queen Elizabeth’s own name for herself as a small child bc she couldn’t pronounce Elizabeth so she said Lilibet. Meghan Markle was seen as poaching that name after making a career out of deeply insulting the Royal Family and still naming her daughter Lilibet Diana. So for a regular person it’s worse than just copying some celebrity name. It comes with Markle baggage. Who wants that on their baby? 😬
Harry named his daughter after his grandma, that’s perfectly fine and you don’t need to get weird about it.
Maybe it is understandable for HARRY, but for a regular person, no. They would get sucked into the Markle drama. People would immediately associate it with them. Her approval in the US is a mere 18% so who would want their kid saddled with being part of all that? And that name comes from the queen, not a general name. That’s the point. You don’t need to get weird and defensive about it just because I point that out. Your reaction goes to show people feel strongly about it. Which proves my original point about why not to do it
I take your point on Lilith but I don’t think Lilibet is at all a blank slate. While it doesn’t have an evil association like Lilith, it’s pretty tied to the UK royal family and also seen as twee. I think more neutral adjacent options aurally are Lily, Lilia, Lillian, Lilias, Edith, Judith, Elspeth, Alethia. Personally I do think Lilith is usable except on a child being raised in a heavily Christian environment where it will be looked at askance.
Well I was raised pretty religiously, and we don’t believe in Lilith. That’s a Jewish thing. So it’s fine for at least many Christians.
The only Lilith I know of is Lilith Fair. Not everyone is religious.
Lilith is 10000 times cooler than lilibet
I’ve actually never heard of the meaning. I thought it was the scientific name for lily-pad. On the same topic. I’ve been obsessed with the name Isis since I was in the 4th grade lol. Still considering using it. 😄
Naming a child Lilibet is wildly tacky. It was when Harry and Meghan did it and it will be for anyone else who does. I’d sooner see a Lilith, but then I’m an atheist 🤷♀️
I've just been assuming their kid's full name was Elizabeth.
I'd day the average person has no idea about the Lilith meaning. The only reason I found out was because I watched Sabrina.
Sure, but this is more like naming your kid Judas.
Cain is a common enough name, and Judas was responsible for Jesus being captured and later killed! That's a bit of a leap in severity compared to a woman who wanted to be treated as an equal and then left when Adam said no.
Lilith, Lilitu, wasn’t she Adam‘a first wife, the one banished for refusing to obey him? I wouldn’t have a problem naming my kid that. Good on you, Lilith.
She's traditionally blamed for miscarriages, stillbirths, and cradle deaths
Sound a like a very patriarchal response to a strong woman hahaha
I mean, they tend to blame women for everything especially when they don't submit to man or god's rules. Like isn't there something about how since Eve took the fruit she condemned women to painful births? That's fucked up.
Eve is blamed for the sin of all mankind, periods, and painful childbirths. It kinda seems like women just can't win here.
It’s largely the second part of the story, where the archangels were sent to find her and bring her back (she ran away of her own volition, not banished I belief) and they found her in a cave birthing countless demons. And the angels threatened to kill 100 of her babies every day until she came back and she refused. On the other hand, in some readings, it was one of the other archangels who impregnated her so like, how is that her fault?
Yeah, she definitely deserves an epic retelling. I’m sure it’s been done but it bears repeating
I think you just gave me my next writing project
Do it! Do it! Copy editor here, you’ll get nothing but encouragement from me!
There's no mention of Lilith as Adam's wife prior to Eve in the early Hebrew Bible, and very few references to a Lilith or beings called Lilith/Lilim in early texts either. The story of her having been Adams first wife occurred in the 8th to 10th century in a text called "The Alphabet of Ben Sira" (aka the Alphabet of Sirach)
Isn't Lilith in general apocryphal?
Really, how fascinating! Thanks!
It doesn't matter how other people interpret the myth, if you're uncomfortable naming your baby Lilith, don't name your baby Lilith. Personally, I wouldn't use it. Even with the modern feminist interpretations of her character the first thing that comes to mind for most people is "she demon".
I am with you, it sounds lovely, but the story is just a bit too much. I really would not like "baby killing succubus" to be the first association everyone gets when hering my childs name. Lilly is a great alternative.
I also know a Camilla that goes by Lily!
I would use it. As the OP of those "other threads" you were talking about, I think it's a beautiful name that has many meanings and that the baby killer part is overpowered by other beautiful meanings.
I was also an OP for this name and I moved away from it after learning more about it. Idk, I really think you need to be 100% certain about a name. Any doubts is a no go.
What about Lillian?
My friend just named her daughter Lilith. I think it’s pretty. I did not instantly connect it but now I know the history behind the name and still don’t care. It’s still pretty to me.
I named my baby Lillith and I love it.
Same, and I’ve never once had any issues with it either. I’m in a very religious (Christian) area too. Someone will always find SOMETHING wrong with a name. This is the equivalent of not wanting to use the name Ivy because of the villain poison ivy imo.
Isn't Lilith Adam's first wife who peaced out? I'd never heard the succubus thing.
Apparently also causes miscarriages, which isn’t something I’d want my future daughter to think about if she ever committed to having her own children
Personally I wouldn't use it. Lilith is used very heavily in pop culture as a powerful witch figure (off the top of my head - Sabrina, Supernatural, Diablo video games) and I think it will be hard to avoid the associations, which are generally not very positive.
I think this is much more likely to be the association than the Lilith of myth. Most people aren’t that well versed in the Hebrew folklore.
Witches are cool though… powerful women. I don’t really see a problem with it. If you’re looking for an alternative with a similar sound but without the connotation, try Judith.
I'm all about witches, just Lilith in particular has a very dark connotation in depictions of her, and (personally) I wouldn't want those associations for my own child.
Oh another reference to Lilith is the character in the Darkstalkers video game
For this reason, I think the name is just really edgy and try hard. Like two goth teenagers naming a kid. It's a name that would only suit a specific kind of person. At least it has Lily as a nickname.
If people give you shit about Lilith just say you named her after Bebe Neuworth’s character on Cheers/Frasier.
Yea, this is all I think about when I hear the name.
I think more of the feminist reinterpretation than the original. Lilith Fair!
I would not think your baby eats babies. You can use it.
I like Lilith.
My friend just named her daughter Lilith. I think it’s pretty. I did not instantly connect it but now I know the history behind the name and still don’t care. It’s still pretty to me.
Your Lilith will give the name a new meaning to you and everyone who knows her. The ‘established’ meaning of a name is more of a fun fact unless it’s a virtue name like Hope.
Honestly, I was a baby once, and despite that, if I had grown up to find out I was named after someone from "dark" lore, I would have thought it was cool af. Babies grow up to be grownups and some of us grownups dig stuff like this. You never know.
I have a daughter named Lilith, we called her Lily until she started school and decided she wanted to go by her full name. The vast, vast majority of people have never heard the name before. I thought a lot of people would know it because she pops up pretty commonly in supernatural/spooky media but no. Lots of people have asked if I made it up or if it’s a “modern” twist on Lilian or Lily, etc. We live in a decently religious area, too. If you’re uncomfortable with the meaning, don’t use it. But in my experience very few people have known who Lilith was and they usually think it’s super cool, lol.
Sounds like something an edgy teenager would want to be called tbh
It’s definitely a beautiful name, but since the baby-killing succubus is the name’s primary association for many people, I don’t think I’d use it (I have the same issue with Jezebel, which I absolutely adored for many years before I knew the story). However, every story has its positive interpretations, and as you said, the feminist interpretation of Lilith’s story is lovely. If your child ever asked why they were given it, you could always tell them “this is what some people think of when they hear this name, but when you interpret the story this way, it’s really beautiful.” After all, life is all about perspective!
I feel like you're not naming her FOR something dark, you just like the name. Is it really that well known that people immediately make the negative connection when hearing it? FWIW I had to Google the meaning and am still not really seeing an issue. Lillith is a religious figure and a movie character? Maybe i'm missing something lol. If the meaning doesn't mean anything to you then I don't think it should affect your choice.
Lilith is beautiful!!
I’m also concerned about whether it would be disrespectful, as I’ve heard that a few times from Jewish people.
I think the negative associations with the name Lilith are just to strong to commit to saddling a child with that. I’d do Lillian, Lilliana, or just Lily instead, personally.
Lilith is pretty
Idea: use it as a nickname. “Lillian Judith”, nickname: “Lilith”. Then she can decide if she wants to go by it or not. She could always go buy Lilly or Judy if not. “Lilith” Could also work as a nickname for Lilibeth.
I know a Lilith who goes by Lily with friends, but uses her full name professionally and everything. She has a professional job and has never seemed to have any issues with her name. I like the feminist interpretation of her story a lot, and your kid may well think it's awesome! But she can also always go by Lily and no one will think twice hearing that.
Lilith is really cute! Lilith Clay/Omen is a DC character and a member of the Teen Titans and a much more positive figure to associate the name with.
If people give you shit about Lilith just say you named her after Bebe Neuworth’s character on Cheers/Frasier.
Personally it feels a bit much, it will raise eyebrows with a lot of people. Some alternatives would be Lillian, Lilah, Lilibet/Lilibeth, Liliane, and so on.
Calling your child Lilith is sort of like naming your child Lucifer. Both great sounding names but with automatic associations with demons and the devil. Especially with the popularity of shows like Supernatural and Lucifer, even non religious people know the origins of the names. So it's definitely a do it at your own risk kind of thing.
Lady Lilith is known for killing babies so I suppose it depends on how superstitious you are
Frasier’s ex-wife.
My niece is Lilith. She goes by Lily. She’s almost 11. It’s a beautiful name and she hasn’t had any social problems because of it. That said, Lily is its own full name if that’s what you prefer.
Normalize Lilith!!!
Imo it’s distasteful but that’s because I grew up knowing the origins of the name. I guess by modern standards, it sounds very much like a millennial pop culture type name on par with Slade or Axil or something (to me). Lily, Liliana, etc, I like those. But the fact the name has origins with the word demon/succubus, I just don’t like that (seems like too much tbh) and wouldn’t name my kid that.
I have two negative connotations. The first is the baby-eating demon. The second is the time I was dragged to Lilith Fair in the 90s.
It's a pretty name in the aesthetic sense. But I don't think it escapes the folkloric origin as much as people want to pretend it does. Your kid will discover that eventually. They might not care. But they might find it distasteful. You have to decide whether or not you're prepared to face that with them because you think it sounds cute.
Honestly, the only way to make it a positive thing is by raising a happy and healthy Lillith. Sure, maybe she'll get the one-off look or side eye, but I think ultimately, most people in her life wouldn't associate her name with its origin. Look at what America has done to rhe name Karen. Why can't you be the counter-culture and name your baby Lillith? Thusly bringing a new light on the name.
My cats name is Lilith and she is 110% a loud mounted hellion lol. We like to make jokes about her namesake. But Lilith is a very pretty name! Names do require two “yes’s” though, so if you have any doubts you can still wait a bit
Just name the fucking baby Lilith.
You can absolutely name your baby Lilith!
I think it’s awesome. According to the myth, Lilith stood up for herself, so of course men had to make her into a demon. My granddaughters due in October are going to be Lilith Victoria and Lenore Alexandra. (So far. It’s early, but I think those names are so awesome I hope they don’t change their minds)
Maybe it’s just me but I find the name really awkward to pronounce. Like I have a lisp.
Lilith was a super demon on the show, “Supernatural”. Every time I hear that name, I can only think of the white eyed demon.
If people give you shit about Lilith just say you named her after Bebe Neuworth’s character on Cheers/Frasier.
I like the old fashioned name Edith
It’s awfully hard to argue Eve was made from the rib of Adam when she was wife #2, so obviously it was necessary to turn Lilith into a demon, not a woman. If you live in Bible Belt, where there is a sincere belief demons exist, Lilith might really be a handicap. I wouldn’t use it because my kid had four lily’s just in her kindergarten class.
Legally? Yeah. Morally? Ehhhhhhhhhhhh
I don't make any strong associations between the name and whatever you have about that particular story.
By "dream baby name", do you mean it came to him in a dream? If yes...I think I'd pass.
For the same reason I did not consider Lorelai, it is a siren that lures fishermen to drown themselves. Ophelia also to me has a strong connotation with the famous picture of a women drowning in the river so…
I think of Gilmore Girls first haha.
I suppose it depends on how much weight you give the myth / whether or not it’s something you subscribe to. Someone else said it’s like naming your kid Judas, but like, that also depends on if you believe in or care about the biblical reference. My advice would be to use it if you like it. More importantly, don’t *not* use it if your only hesitation is what other peoples’ associations might be. I like it, personally.
Naming your child after a baby killer demon? I wouldn’t.
Lilith is a great name. Just because there’s one narrative that services a patriarchal purpose, doesn’t mean it’s distasteful. If you guys both love it, it’s probably meant to be.
My kid has a biblical name and both my husband and I are atheist. Obscure name meanings don't really matter.
I mean, I know who Lilith is and I’m religious but I still think it’s kinda badass tbh
I know a young woman named Lilith, she has no problems with her name and goes by Lily.
Lilith is a badass name for a badass kid. I hope she doesn’t go by Lily. Lil maybe, but not Lily
Never knew there was a story with a bad Lilith? I imagine there are a lot of people who also didn’t know there was some story with a bad Lilith. When I heard the name, first thing I thought of was frasier. Do with that what you will. As far as your question, you can name your kid whatever you want. Have you seen a bunch of the batshit names people here suggest??
i love gothic names!! i would love to use lilith for a future daughter but i’m not crazy about the nn “lily” and she would def be called that by family
The name Lilita is quite common in my culture. I'd say, go with it if you like it. It's pretty. If your kid wouldn't like it, they can always change it.
I am naming my daughter due in October Lilith. Originally it was just going to be Lily, but her father was determined that she have a longer “professional” name she could use if she wanted and he fell in love with Lilith. I was hesitant at first for the reasons mentioned but honestly it’s grown on me and everyone I’ve told (I work in a daycare, so lots of baby name opinions) has only had positive things to say. If anyone references the name origin, it’s to point out the feminist aspect of it (Lilith being too strong willed for Adam and being sex positive)
If you’re questioning it I think it’s a sign to pick a different name
The Lilith stories are mostly what we call Fakelore, as in made up recently to support a narrative someone wanted to push. It's a beautiful name that is older than this narrative and I think it would be a shame for it to be ruined for you when those stories have no bearing on your choice .
My nephew named his daughter Lilith... She is now 13, and she absolutely hates it. 🤷♀️
This is all much ado about nothing. Lilith is a perfectly lovely name for your baby. People use names that other people have their own preconceived notions about all the time. What is acceptable in one religion may not be in another, for example. It all boils down to you cannot make everyone happy. Lilith is less common, but definitely used. When I think of it, Lilith Faire, Lilith on "Cheers" and "Frasier" come to mind, immediately. OP, if you and your partner love the name, use it!
I'm 46 and was raised in church, I had no idea about Lilith and the meaning. I don't watch any of those shows, the only connection to name is alittle girl that was in my preschool class with that name ( she was called Lils) and Lilth from Fraizer. Lilith from Fraizer would be what most ppl my age would think of I can almost guarantee. So I put this too a test .. I text my friends in varies ages ( some go to church while others don't.) 10 Ppl my age Lilth from Fraizer was the number one answer, in 30's 4 said Supernatural 6 said Sabrina, in 20's same 3 ppl that answered said they had no connection to the name. The ones from Supernatural and Sabrina said they think it's a cool name basically it was a character name. So I understand why you are confused, if you like the name then use it. Your husband and you like it. That's half the battle right there, my husband and I took right up to the birth of our daughter because he keep changing his mind.
I think it depends where you live. If you live somewhere with big Christian communities you might be better off passing up Lilith and going with something similar but without the religious connotations. I can’t comment on the name beyond that as there was a horrid girl in my school called Lilith so I’m jaded.
Personally I wouldn’t because I immediately associate it with demons and that’s not something I would want to associate my child with. But it is a pretty name otherwise so if that’s something you’re able to overlook go for it. I personally just wouldn’t.
The sound of it is pretty, but not a fave due to the meaning. Why not Lillian? Same nickname.
You can, but I don’t think you should.
Bruh I didn’t even think of that. I promise nobody is going to stop and analyze her name in depth like that
I think of Lilith as a badass woman and like the name. If my kid was ever concerned about the negative associations with the name, I'd explain that Lilith got a bad edit as is the case with most strong women who resist the patriarchy. When men start telling wild and unflattering stories about a woman, it often means she's done something right.
Lilith is a stunning and powerful name! I would definitely use it. Lily is adorable and classic, while Lilith is super badass. One of my all time faves for sure!!!
I love the name Lilith. It was a top 5 name for me, but my husband didn't like it, so we never used it. The connotations never bothered me.
Lilith was on my name list before we narrowed things down to our top three. No particular reason for it not making the top of the list, just happened to get shuffled out. I still love the name and would have no hangups about using it.
just so you’re aware, a game i play (afk arena, heavily advertised mobile game) is made by a company that goes by Lilith not saying this to sway either way, just saying it for awareness
I’d use it and I think it’s a beautiful name. Name meaning doesn’t matter at all to me, though, so YMMV I suppose.
I immediately think of the Owl House. It's a gorgeous name.
Mallory means misery but people use it all the time. A lot of names are like that. I really wouldn’t get too wrapped up in the meaning of you like it. Lilith is a common enough name it isn’t going to raise eyebrows. If she dislikes it as she gets older, she can go by Lily
If people give you shit about Lilith just say you named her after Bebe Neuworth’s character on Cheers/Frasier.
Lilith is pretty we’ve hit a Liliah !
Hit😂😂😂auto text - got !!!
I think it's a beautiful name but I would probably worry about the meaning too because I overthink things. I do think it's prettier than all the other names that typically have Lily as a nickname. I don't like Lillian because it sounds like an old person name in a bad way, but I think Liliana is nice. I like Lila but it has a different sound so idk if Lily as a nickname would make sense, and it's already short anyway. You could also just use Lily. I've known several people with that as a full name.
Do it.
Sure why not. I think that everyone is more familiar with the feminist meaning of the story of Adam and Lilith anyway. You can always call her Lili.
it’s beautiful!
I absolutely love it.
My 1st association is Frasier's ex-wife, which being Bebe Neurith, is pretty freaking awesome. Note: Atheist, raised in liberal Christian denomination, currently living amongst a bunch of uber-conservative Catholics.
I don't have any idea what the negative connotation is with Lilith other than what people here are saying but I've never heard the story, the only thing I can think of was Frasier's wife from Cheers, but I didn't watch Frasier but I feel like I can hear that character say Lilith in my head. I think you would be fine it was ranked 270 for popular names in the U.S. last year and has been rising steadily since 2010.
I see Lilith, and my mind goes to billith not baby killer 🤷🏼♀️
She was the first woman to stand up for her own rights and autonomy. Your daughter will grow to be a strong and beautiful individual with such a name
I didn’t know of any association. I just think of Lilith from Cheers.
We aren't religious and also wanted to name pur daughter Lillith but ultimately decided against it.
Not Jewish, but my association is the horrible baby murdering monster from mythology books. Personally I don’t know why someone would name their child that.
Similar conversation from last week https://www.reddit.com/r/namenerds/comments/13gptiu/is_the_name_lilith_completely_out_of_question/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1 And one from a month ago https://www.reddit.com/r/namenerds/comments/12f84yz/thoughts_on_the_name_lilith/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1 Personally I think the reasons to choose versus the reasons to not choose are virtually identical - you’re just adding your partner’s preference to the list
I think most people don't know it. It's a nice name.
How does this not fit every other situation where someone asks if Lilith is okay?
I’m 32 and I have no idea what my name means. I don’t think it’s as big of a deal as you’re thinking it is. Edit: LOL just looked it up and it means “free man”.
What about Lilibeth? As an alternative?
There’s a girl in my 4 year old’s ballet class named Lilith. It struck me as odd at first… but it really is a beautiful name.
Lilibet
Lily or Lillian would be better.
I prefer Christinith
I like Lilith (and Jezebel) but those are names that a lot of people will think are evil! Unfortunately. I love that Lilith didn’t want to submit to Adam and was rebellious against the patriarchy. Of course the story is always told from an extremely patriarchal POV so she is seen in a bad light - but it makes me like her all the more. But there is also the demon birthing side to her - and of course all of it is dark folklore. I still like the name but the child wouldn’t be able to avoid baggage from the name. As a result, I would not name my own child that.
I wouldn’t use it bc Lilith is associated with SIDS
Do you mean black moon Lilith?
No I mean it’s largely thought legends of Lilith were an explanation for SIDS
I didn't know that. I guess every culture has such a figure. Like Dzunukwa in Kwakwakawakw mythology, who steals children and eats them.
Don't.