Naming a Child After Her Grandmother
Question
Thank G-d, a daughter was born to me, and I wanted to ask:
My wife’s grandmother, of blessed memory, was called Yafa Sheindel Shifra, and my own grandmother, may she be distinguished for life, is called Yafa Sheindel. Is there any problem with giving the full name? And if so, is there value in giving only the name Shifra?
My wife’s grandmother, of blessed memory, was called Yafa Sheindel Shifra, and my own grandmother, may she be distinguished for life, is called Yafa Sheindel. Is there any problem with giving the full name? And if so, is there value in giving only the name Shifra?
Answer
Shalom and blessings.
According to Ashkenazic custom, a granddaughter is not named after a grandmother who is still alive; therefore, the daughter should not be named Yafa Sheindel.
She may be named Shifra. Although, since this is not the full name, it is not exactly the same name, it still serves as a remembrance and an honor.
According to Sephardic custom, the practice is, ideally, to name children after living grandfathers and grandmothers, and this is considered an honor for them.
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