Using ethnic names for caucasian children?

[Freya]

Whats the consensus on using 'ethnic' names on Caucasian kids? I have a name I love but DH isnt keen because baby is caucasian. I dont think it matters in this case because the name is not especially foreign, just obviously particular to one culture. I can see his point that a fair skinned light haired child might seem a bit odd with this particular name but the odds of bub fitting that description are slim (unless we get another red head).

[Beach Mama]

Absolutely not a problem - if you love the name then use it!! My kids are 1/4 Japanese and DD is nearly blonde with pale skin and DS has blue eyes - people would have NO idea what their background is - not that they have Japanese names but I really don't think it matters!

[AliBaby]

I say go for it. There are plenty of people who are not Caucasian that have Caucasian names. There are so many beautiful ethnic names out there. Are you going to share with us what the name is you are thinking of?

[Freya]

Its Hawaiian. I like the name Koa, but am thinking of Nakoa or Kainoa as the formal first name. Both have great meanings too - warrior/brave/fearless; which considering our journey to get this baby is appropriate Plus they are uncommon.

DH's argument is that people will think its odd that a non-islander child has a name like that. I disagree, especially because two of our three kids have tan complexion with dark hair and eyes and are often mistaken for being mixed heritage anyway.

[Charlotte91]

I love those names! I'd even consider stealing Koa, but we're not having any other babes.

[~clover~]

They're gorgeous names, & IMO not different enough to be seen as overly out of place. I know kids with names like that, because the parents liked the meaning of the name. I love Koa & Nakoa. Love them.

[AliBaby]

Beautiful x

[No.5]

Gorgeous names I wouldn't think anything odd of it if I met a caucasian person with any of those names

[willow5]

I really like a lot of Hawaiian names, and their meanings. I say go for it, if he is born and it doesn't suit then think about changing. DS3 didn't end up with the name we both had as number 1 because he just didn't look like it after he was born lol

[LimeSlice]

I think it depends on the name and its origin...I wouldn't name my caucasian daughter Shaniqua, or my caucasian son D'shawn, just sounds and looks weird to me! LOL

I like your names though, and I think they could work, if they worked well with your other kids names? Might be a bit odd to have a John, Bob and Nakoa...

[Freya]

It wouldnt be out of place per say; we have a J ett, R ipley and S tellan.

[willow5]

I think they all sound good together

[~Kim~]

I am not normally a fan, but I really like it Freya. It goes well with your boys names.

I know a fair haired Miguel. Not hint even of Spanish, they just liked the name. And, it suits him.

[Muppity]

I have two friends who are both very blonde but from different families. They were both conceived in Japan and both have very Japanese names. First time I heard them I probably thought 'hmm bit weird, I wonder what the story behind that is' but haven't given it a second thought since.

[<3 Mumofthreetobe <3]

I love the name Koa! Do it I say. I think it fits in well with what you have already.

[redgum]

My 18yo niece is named Koa (she is Caucasian). It's a beautiful name - use it.

[Rowellen]

I wouldn't pick it as being an ethnic name. I would think it's probably something made up. I think it would fit with your other names just fine.

Too answer the original question. It would depend on the name. I would think names that are easily transferred to English would be fine but would probably hesitate to use a more difficult name to spell or pronounce.

[Lenny]

My cousin is half indonesian. His wife is Thai. Their children are named L i a m and P a d r a i g (nicknamed P a d d y).
I don't think they should have named their children a name of any specific ethnicity due to their skin colour and background.