Question: Does Judaism discourage naming a baby after one who died young?
Dear Rabbi,
My wife is expecting our first baby in late August. We would like to name the baby after her cousin who sadly passed away
at the age of twenty two. I was told by someone that although honoring
the dead is tradition among Jews, it is not acceptable to name after
someone who passed away at such a young age. Is this correct?
Thank you, Howard
Answer: Dear Howard,
The concern you raise is discussed by Rabbi Yehuda Hachassid (in Sefer Chassidim 363-364) who suggested that one refrain from naming a child after one who has died young.
Although from the perspective of kabbala there is valid basis for the custom not to name after those who have died young or under tragic circumstances -- it is certainly not law. Indeed, there are those who have the name Akiva, Gedalya and other greats who were killed or died young.
Allow me to suggest that unless you are mystically inclined you need not be too concerned. I would further advise that in the event you do choose to proceed with the name of your cousin that you first ponder upon several spiritual qualities that the deceased had excelled in and have in mind that you are naming your child after this person in the hope that they achieve these same attributes.
Wishing you bracha v'hatzlacha (blessing and success),
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
