In Yoma 38b the Gemora says not to use a Rasha's name. Is this an issur? Why is it not brought in Shulchan Aruch? What if someone already was named a Rasha's name (I've heard that Nimrod has become a popular name among some) - should he change his name? Add on to it? For some reason it's hard to find much on this sugya.

Thank You,

Mordechai Dixler

Dear Mordechai,

There is no Isur in the Shulchan Aruch to call a child by the name of a Rasha. It is simply good advice, since we want our children to be Tzadikim and the name influences a child. For example, the Gemara teaches (Yoma 83b) that Rebbi Meir did not want to stay at an inn that belonged to a person named Kidor, since he judged by the owner's name that he would be a Rasha.

If someone was given the name of a Rasha by his parents, he should add on to his name. Nimrod is only a popular name among those that are not aware of all this.

Rabbi Yisroel Pesach Feinhandler

Rabbi of Avney Yashpe Synagogue

Author of Beloved Companions, Beloved Children, Priority In Prayer & Avney Yashpe

Marriage & Educational Counselor, Expert Mohel

e-mail: feinhan@aquanet.co.il