MUST A NOAHIDE CHANGE HIS NAME?

בס"ד

Must a Noahide Change His Name?

Within some Noahide groups, it is claimed that someone who accepts the Seven Noahide Laws should also receive a new (Hebrew) name. In support of this idea, people often refer to examples from the Tanakh in which names were changed, such as Abram becoming Abraham and Sarai becoming Sarah.

But does this mean that every Noahide must change his or her name? The short answer is: no. There is no requirement within the Seven Noahide Laws to adopt a new name. A name change can be a personal choice, but it is not part of the Noahide way of life.

Names in the Tanakh

It is true that the Tanakh contains examples of people whose names were changed or who received an additional name. Abram was given the name Abraham by G-d (Bereishit/Genesis 17:5), and Sarai was given the name Sarah (Bereishit/Genesis 17:15). Jacob is also often mentioned as an example, because he received the name Israel (Bereishit/Genesis 32:28).

However, in Jacob’s case this was not a complete replacement of his original name, but rather the receiving of an additional name. Throughout the Tanakh, Jacob continues to be called Jacob even after this event.

These examples show that G-d, in specific situations, may change or add a name, but they do not constitute a general commandment for all people to change their names.

The Tanakh itself shows that not everyone received a new name at important moments in life. Moses, for example, continued to be known as Moses throughout his life, although some Midrashic sources mention that he had additional names.

The Midrash Rabbah (Shemot Rabbah 1:26) states that Moses had several names given to him by his family and others. One of the names mentioned is Avigdor (אביגדור), because his birth was seen as a protection (“father of the fence/boundary” or “father of protection”) for Israel.

The Meaning of a Name

This does not mean that a name is unimportant. Within Jewish tradition, a name has deep significance. A name is more than simply a way by which a person is addressed. A name express something about a person’s character, way of life, or the hopes that parents have for their child.

Within certain mystical traditions of Judaism, there is a concept that the name parents give to a child is not accidental. Rabbi Chaim Vital writes in Sha’ar HaGilgulim (Introduction 23) that when parents give a name, it does not happen randomly, but rather that G-d places this name in their thoughts.

This idea emphasizes the special significance of a person’s birth name. However, it does not mean that every person must later adopt a new name when their circumstances in life change.

Jewish Midrash also discusses the meaning of names. For example, Bereishit Rabbah 25:2 connects the name Noach (Noah) with the rest and relief that he brought to a difficult world.

A name can therefore influence how a person sees himself and how others relate to him. A name with a positive meaning can remind someone of certain qualities or values. Examples include names such as Simcha (“joy”) or Chaya (“life”).

Does a Name Change a Person’s Destiny?

Some people claim that a new name automatically changes a person’s destiny. However, this is not consistent with the Jewish belief in human free will and personal choice.

A person is not determined by his name. A name may inspire someone, remind someone of a certain direction, or carry spiritual meaning, but a name does not determine a person’s life path.

When someone chooses a new way of life, what changes most importantly are their actions, their choices, and their relationship with G-d. This does not happen because of the letters of a new name, but because of the way a person lives.

A New Name Within Judaism

Within Judaism, there is a tradition in which a person receives a new name. This occurs, for example, when a non-Jew fully joins the Jewish people through giyur (conversion to Judaism).

De Talmoed (Bavli Yevamot 22a) discusses the concept that a convert is considered like a “newborn child.” Since a newborn child receives a name, a convert is often given a new Jewish name as well.

For men, this name is often connected with Abraham our forefather (“Ben Avraham”), and for women with Sarah (“Bat Sarah”). This practice, however, specifically applies to someone who becomes Jewish and joins the Jewish people.

A Noahide is in a different position. A Noahide has not become Jewish and does not undergo giyur. Therefore, a Noahide normally does not receive a new Jewish name and does not receive the designation “Ben Avraham.”

Is There a Noahide Tradition of Changing Names?

No. There is no ancient Noahide tradition stating that someone who accepts the Seven Noahide Laws must change his or her name.

The Noahide path is based on recognizing the One God and observing the Seven Laws that, according to Jewish tradition, were given to humanity through Noah. Taking a new name is not part of these commandments.

It is also inaccurate to speak of an ancient “Noahide tradition” of name changing. The contemporary Noahide movement belongs within the broader framework of Judaism, which distinguishes between the obligations of Jews and those of non-Jews. As such, there is no ancient or traditional requirement for a non-Jew who accepts the Seven Noahide Laws to adopt a new or Hebrew name. 

When people say that adopting a new name is a tradition or a necessity, this can unintentionally create the impression that someone is only truly a Noahide if they have a Hebrew name. This is not correct.

Can a Noahide Voluntarily Adopt a New Name?

Yes. A Noahide may certainly choose to use another name if this helps him or her consciously express a new direction in life.

For some people, a Hebrew name may have personal meaning. It may serve as a reminder of their connection with G-d, their study of the Tanakh, or their new way of living.

However, this is a personal choice, not a religious obligation.

If someone begins using a new name, it is important that the name is genuinely used by others. Within Jewish customs concerning name changes, it is often emphasized that a name becomes established when people actually use it for a period of time.

Changing a Name During Illness

Sometimes it is claimed that Jews change their names during serious illness in order to receive protection or healing. This subject also requires some nuance.

In many cases, it is not a matter of replacing the existing name, but rather adding a name with a positive meaning, such as Chaim (“life”) or Chaya (“living”).

This practice comes from a specific Jewish tradition and does not mean that every person facing difficulties should change their name.

Conclusie

Must a Noahide change his or her name? No.

The Seven Noahide Laws do not require a new name. A person is not defined by his name, but by his choices, actions, and relationship with G-d.

May a Noahide adopt a new name? Yes.

If someone voluntarily chooses to do so because the name helps them remember their life path or their connection with G-d, it can be a meaningful personal choice.

However, a new name does not make someone more of a Noahide than someone who keeps their original name. The true transformation takes place in the heart and in the life of a person.

Angelique Sijbolts
With thank to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the feedback

© Copyright, alle rechten voorbehouden. Als je dit artikel leuk vond, moedigen we je aan om het verder te verspreiden.

Onze blogs kunnen tekst/quotes/verwijzingen/links bevatten die auteursrechtelijk beschermd materiaal bevatten van Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.nl, Sefaria.org, Chabad.orgen/of VraagNoah.orgdie we gebruiken in overeenstemming met hun beleid.