Many of our international students take on an American name when they move here. Most of those who have children while here will give their babies Americanized names to coincide with their ethnic name. Oftentimes, they pick a name from the Bible.
Now we have lots of international students named Paul and Stephen and Esther.
One of my South Korean friends stopped by my office recently. She’s pregnant. Due on Halloween. We were going through baby names. She mentioned some possibilities: Esther, Ruth, Eunice, etc. She asked why I was laughing (sorry) so I had to explain that those names were “older.” Meant for an older generation of Americans. The motherly & grandmotherly generations. “What about Grace?” she said, explaining that her expected daughter’s Korean name means grace.
I think we settled on that. I sure hope we did! 
If I had to pick a new name for myself - based on a Biblical character, I’d go with Anna.
What about you?
21 responses so far ↓
Heidi // October 19, 2008 at 8:45 am
hannah
His Girl Amber // October 19, 2008 at 8:58 am
I think maybe Sara- I tend to underestimate God in “impossible” situations… Yet God continually is willing to surprise me.
melissa1970 // October 19, 2008 at 9:03 am
Ruth isn’t so bad in my opinion. Rutie…that’s cute. Eh?
traciejane // October 19, 2008 at 9:18 am
Tamar or Tamara-desperate for justice, a longing to belong.
Vicki // October 19, 2008 at 9:29 am
I’d choose Tamara too.
Vicki // October 19, 2008 at 9:29 am
been thinking I would name my daughter Tamara one day…
cathi stegall // October 19, 2008 at 1:04 pm
i like that your new name would be spelled the same backward and forward…is this all a part of your mammoth make over? Do I need to call you anna from now on? Do we need to get into a conversation about ego and alter ego, anna mac?
ramsey72 // October 19, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I would go with Abigail. She was an amazing woman!
Brandy // October 19, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hannah. I love the name Hannah. I want a girl just so I can name her Hannah.
Brandy // October 19, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Heidi!
We both picked Hannah! 
Fran // October 19, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Can I pick Faith?? I’ve always loved that name.
sara // October 19, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I like the biblical name I already have, but if I had to choose another it would probably be Elisabeth. I think I am more of an encourager and ‘behind the scenes’ person than the one who stands out in front. She gave support and encouraged Mary, as well as produced the son who paved the way for the Son. But I also love that when it came down to it, she stood up to her husband and declared the name John because it was what God had asked of them. I like being the helper, the encourager… it suits me better than being the one encouraged.
Deanna Ham // October 19, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I would also be Anna. I received a prophetic word at ladies
prayer one day saying my new name was Anna so I think I’ll stick with it.
Lori // October 19, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I love old fashioned names. But maybe not Eunice.
While all of you are quite wonderful and spiritual, I would probably choose some Jane Austen inspired name. But I already did that for my daughter, Emma.
danielle // October 19, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I did pick Anna.
tam // October 19, 2008 at 9:00 pm
mrs. potiphar?
hehe - just kiddin
naomi
Michelle // October 19, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Hannah, although I don’t think I could give up my child at three. But I do love the name.
Travis // October 20, 2008 at 9:38 am
Grace(ie) works for me. Ha.
Susan // October 20, 2008 at 11:29 am
My personality would say I should be a ‘Martha’ but I like Deborah - Deb for short.
Louise // October 21, 2008 at 9:33 am
Not Jezebel.
Maybe Lydia.
alece // October 30, 2008 at 10:28 am
hmmm. i don’t know.
honestly. no idea.