Names - Ella or Gal

Naming a Baby

Question

Is it preferable to name my son Ella because we live in the Ella Valley, or Gal because I feel connected to the sea? (The word “gal” means “wave” in Hebrew.)

Answer

Greetings,
It is advisable to give a child a Jewish name, thereby connecting him to his roots. This will bring him abundance, blessing, and success in life. The new names of the last hundred years, according to Judaism, are not considered Jewish names. Therefore, the names Gal or Ella are not recommended. If you connect with them and cannot find a Jewish name that you connect with, you can give a Jewish name and use them as a nickname. For example, name your son Gedaliah, and nickname him Gal, or Elijah and nickname him Ella.

Source

Bereishit Rabbah (37:7).

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