So I picked a new name a couple of weeks ago, and it suits me better than my birth name. I like that it's a Hebrew name and I'm half Israeli. However, it's a very common name for Jewish boys. I'm an atheist and I feel like nobody will take me seriously as an atheist because I have a Jewish sounding name. What should I do?
Emery says:
If you’re named, like, Abraham or Isaac or Israel or Jacob (or the Hebrew equivalents, i.e. Avraham), then that’s preeeeetty Jewish, since those are the three fathers, but most other Hebrew names you could easily explain by saying you’re Israeli. Also, being culturally Jewish and religiously Jewish are quite separate things, and secular Israelis are real real common. I wouldn’t be concerned. However, if you feel uncomfortable having Judaism attached to your name, pick another name. There are lots out there.