Is the name Bodhi cultural appropriation?

We like the name for our daughter. My grandma is Indian and I love the link to her country and culture, so does she, but me and my partner are not practicing Buddhists. Would using the name be considered appropriation?
Like
Share Mobile
Share
  • Share

Show your support

I believe @Shay is a Buddhist, maybe she can weigh in? I feel like because you DO have a cultural connection to the name (through your grandma) that even though you're not practicing Buddhists, it's NOT cultural appropriation

I’ve heard it’s appropriate to give the name to pets! (Like it’s seen only as appreciation of the name) I can’t imagine it’d be seen as a negative thing to give the name to a child! But I am not a practicing Buddhist either, and have more general knowledge of Taoism than Buddhism so idk for sure lol The fact that you have a reason / person who’s motivated the use of the name immediately I’d say makes it ok (: cause your honoring someone directly

I honestly think of Bodhi as a type of tree relating to Buddhism and then a white hippy/surfer type name. If it’s actually a name used by Indian Buddhist’s I’d be quite surprised.

I named my son Bodhi xx it’s a beautiful name

I know a few Bodhi’s and I don’t think a single one of them is Buddhist. They are almost always white Christian’s or Atheists. It also has different meanings when used as a name in different countries so in all honesty I wouldn’t say it is Cultural appropriation because it’s used by quite a few different cultures with the main being within Buddhism. I think your grandma would think it was a lovely sentiment. Also yes in Buddhism the tree the Buddha sat under to reach enlightenment was called a Bodhi tree which is a Ficus religiosa tree or sacred fig

Read more on Peanut
Trending in our community